expert type icon EXPERT

Melissa M. Journot

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Melissa Journot (aka Dr. Missy Journot) is a podiatrist practicing in Independence, MO. Dr. Journot is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Journot diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower leg. The feet and ankles are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing, and are necessary for overall well-being. Dr. Journot specializes in sports medicine, trauma to the foot and ankle as well as total ankle replacement surgery. Dr. Journot also does fluoroscopic tendon heath injections and surgical repair of all aspects of the foot and ankle. Dr. Journot has a special interest in helping her patients stay active and healthy and be able to do their favorite activities pain-free. 
8 years Experience
Melissa M. Journot
Specializes in:
  • Podiatrist
  • Independence, MO
  • Des Moines University
  • Accepting new patients

Ankle injury 3 weeks ago, How long until you need to go to the doctor.

I would recommend you see someone for this as you could have torn a tendon or the ligament is not healing properly.

Missy Journot

My heel is hurting?

That sounds like typical Plantar fasciitis. Best treatment is physical therapy and steroid injections. At home therapy can be Calf stretches, wearing a night splint to keep the READ MORE
That sounds like typical Plantar fasciitis. Best treatment is physical therapy and steroid injections. At home therapy can be Calf stretches, wearing a night splint to keep the foot stretched out at night. Good supportive shoes, an OTC orthotics such as Powerstep is basic and helps the plantar fascia in supporting the arch of the foot.

Injured foot?

No, a Jones fracture has to have some sort of trauma and twisting of the foot to cause the fracture.

Does a dislocated ankle need surgery?

It depends if the dislocation causes fractures, if not, usually requires splinting for a time period to let the ligaments repair. If the dislocation is severe, sometimes it does READ MORE
It depends if the dislocation causes fractures, if not, usually requires splinting for a time period to let the ligaments repair. If the dislocation is severe, sometimes it does require surgery to fix the ligaments.

Missy Journot

What anesthesia is used for ingrown toenail surgery?

Most ingrown toenails are done in an office setting. I do a lot with just local anesthesia. Meaning I numb up the toe and then remove the offending nail edge. It takes 5-10 minutes READ MORE
Most ingrown toenails are done in an office setting. I do a lot with just local anesthesia. Meaning I numb up the toe and then remove the offending nail edge. It takes 5-10 minutes and people are very happy.

Missy Journot

How long does it take to walk again after ankle surgery?

Depends the kind of surgery, ankle scope immediately in a boot after. Ankle fracture repair 4-6 weeks no weight. Ankle fusion or replacement 8 weeks no weight. Ligament repair READ MORE
Depends the kind of surgery, ankle scope immediately in a boot after. Ankle fracture repair 4-6 weeks no weight. Ankle fusion or replacement 8 weeks no weight. Ligament repair 3-4 weeks no weight.

Missy Journot

Can chiropractors work on bunions?

No, you need a foot and ankle surgeon for bunions

Missy Journot

Is it better to go to a podiatrist or orthopedist for foot pain?

I would recommend what you personally want, a podiatrist is specially trained in foot and ankle only. An orthopedic is trained for 5 years in general ortho so the entire body and READ MORE
I would recommend what you personally want, a podiatrist is specially trained in foot and ankle only. An orthopedic is trained for 5 years in general ortho so the entire body and they do fellowship for a year in foot and ankle. A podiatrist a younger one does 3-4 years of foot and ankle. I’m a podiatrist personally so I have some bias.

Missy Journot

Why do I still have pain after ankle surgery?

Ankle pain 3 months after surgery is normal, it’s likely swelling pain. I would give any foot and ankle surgery 6 months before you feel “normal” again after any foot and ankle READ MORE
Ankle pain 3 months after surgery is normal, it’s likely swelling pain. I would give any foot and ankle surgery 6 months before you feel “normal” again after any foot and ankle surgery.

Missy Journot

Is a walking boot better than a cast?

A walking boot and cast are very similar, it depends on the fracture and the physician. If it is a stable fracture (you can walk on it), then yes, a boot is better. If it is a READ MORE
A walking boot and cast are very similar, it depends on the fracture and the physician. If it is a stable fracture (you can walk on it), then yes, a boot is better. If it is a bad fracture (multiple breaks, cannot walk), then a cast may be the way to go or surgery. If you had surgery on it, then a boot is good. The walking boot was meant to replace casts for most injuries.

When should you see an orthopedist for foot pain?

A Podiatrist is trained very similarly to an orthopedist and a podiatrist does 3 years of residency in just foot and ankle.

Thick nail?

Likely the procedure if it was not permanent did not take and you would need to have it done again. The thickness is likely fungus and could try medication to get rid of that, READ MORE
Likely the procedure if it was not permanent did not take and you would need to have it done again. The thickness is likely fungus and could try medication to get rid of that, or if you do not want the nails do a permanent nail removal.

How do you get rid of ankle pain after surgery?

What type of surgery? It depends on the surgery but usually pain is caused by inflammation/swelling and the surgery itself. Swelling pain can last for 6months after surgery. Best READ MORE
What type of surgery? It depends on the surgery but usually pain is caused by inflammation/swelling and the surgery itself. Swelling pain can last for 6months after surgery. Best way to get rid of it is anti-inflammatories and elevating the foot and ankle above heart level to help with the pain. Also talk to your surgeon if it has been a while after surgery and you still have a lot of pain.

What is the latest treatment for sports related foot pain?

Depends on where the pain is. I am fellowship trained in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries usually a boot for a few weeks and anti-inflammatories and rest from activities. READ MORE
Depends on where the pain is. I am fellowship trained in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries usually a boot for a few weeks and anti-inflammatories and rest from activities.

I feel like the bottoms of my feet are swollen. What could be wrong?

Some sort of inflammatory process can be going on that is causing this. Would recommend getting on an anti-inflammatory regimen.

Sprained ankle?

That is the normal contour of the bone of the ankle, the white stuff around it is fluid and likely some inflammation to the area.

Does a podiatrist take care of foot deformities?

Yes a podiatrist does, you do want to find someone with training in reconstructive foot and ankle. If you find someone and they do not do it they should refer you to someone who READ MORE
Yes a podiatrist does, you do want to find someone with training in reconstructive foot and ankle. If you find someone and they do not do it they should refer you to someone who does do the surgery needed.

How long does it take your Achilles tendon to heal?

A rupture can take 9 months to a year any achilles tendon surgery or injury can take time.

When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?

When you first started having foot pain, always good to have it looked at as soon as possible.

Why do I find it hard to flex my toes?

Depends, stiffness can mean arthritis is starting in the toe joints and so they just don’t move as well. Is there a kind of cocked up look to the toe? If yes, then that is a hammertoe. READ MORE
Depends, stiffness can mean arthritis is starting in the toe joints and so they just don’t move as well. Is there a kind of cocked up look to the toe? If yes, then that is a hammertoe. Only way to fix is surgery.

Missy Journot