Blanken Foot and Ankle LLC

Comprehensive Podiatry in Silver Spring, Maryland

Blanken Foot and Ankle LLC is a podiatric clinic that treats foot and ankle conditions through surgical, non-surgical, preventive, and sports treatments. Its team, made up of podiatrists and surgeons, works with diagnostic and therapeutic technology and states that it maintains high professional standards in its specialty. The practice operates in Silver Spring and its service area includes Gaithersburg, Wheaton, Bethesda, Laurel, Rockville, Olney, and Washington, D.C.

Medical Team

Dr. Steven Selby Blanken (DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, DABFAS) is the medical director of the clinic. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery (Foot Surgery) and by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He was director of a podiatric surgical residency program and continues to participate in the training of residents and students. He also serves as podiatric consultant for Performance Laboratories, a national foot and ankle orthopedic laboratory, and treats patients of all ages.

Dr. Cassandre C. Charles (DPM, AACFAS) is a foot and ankle surgeon, an associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She has a special interest in sports injuries of the foot and ankle, limb salvage, foot and ankle reconstruction —including arthroscopic surgery and joint restorative techniques— and minimally invasive surgery for bunion and Achilles pathology.

The clinic notes that three generations of podiatry have followed one another in the same family. Dr. Steven Selby Blanken and Dr. Brandon Selby Blanken are linked to the figure of Dr. Morris L. Selby, the family's original podiatrist. The clinic wishes Dr. Brandon Blanken success in his new endeavors, focused on foot and ankle reconstruction and trauma surgery.

Treatments and Conditions Treated

The clinical offering covers a broad spectrum of foot and ankle problems. Among the conditions the clinic states it treats are heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, diabetic foot and neuropathy, sports injuries, ingrown or unsightly toenails, arthritis, tendon injuries, and wounds. It also treats bunions and hammertoes, ankle instability, congenital deformities, and pediatric and juvenile injuries.

In the surgical field, the surgeons perform foot and ankle procedures, bunion surgery —including Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®—, heel pain surgery, Achilles tendon repair, ankle surgery and ankle joint replacement, flatfoot surgery, big toe surgery (hallux rigidus), hammertoe surgery, removal of lumps and bumps, and foot and ankle reconstruction. The clinic also performs minor in-office procedures and has an ambulatory surgery center.

Advanced Care and Diagnosis

The clinic offers amniotic stem cell therapy as a non-surgical option for arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or tendon injuries, aimed at reducing pain and promoting tissue regeneration. It also makes custom molded orthotics for ankle, foot, knee, or back pain, and provides pediatric and adolescent podiatric care, including congenital deformities and sports injuries.

For diagnosis, it uses diagnostic ultrasound and digital X-rays to obtain immediate information about foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. The practice includes sports podiatry, with the goal of helping patients return to their activities.

Insurance Coverage

The clinic states that it accepts numerous insurance plans, including BCBS Carefirst, BCBS Blue Choice, CIGNA, Aetna, United, GEHA, Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans, most Medicaid managed care plans, some DC and Maryland Medicaid plans (Amerihealth, Amerigroup, Priority Partners), Medstar, workers' compensation, Great West, Coresource, NALC, SAMBA, APWU, GBS, and Johns Hopkins Health Care Plan.

Patient FAQs

The clinic answers common questions about its practice. It notes that its podiatrists diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, with personalized treatment plans combining conservative and advanced therapies. It confirms that its surgeons perform procedures for bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, flatfoot deformities, arthritis, ankle conditions, sports injuries, fractures, diabetic foot complications, and reconstructive surgery.

It recommends scheduling an appointment for persistent pain, numbness, swelling, difficulty walking, changes in the toenails, wounds that won't heal, or injuries that limit daily activities. It notes that many plans allow seeing a podiatrist without a referral and that its staff can verify benefits and explain referral requirements. The first visit includes a comprehensive foot and ankle examination, review of medical history, diagnostic testing if needed, and a personalized treatment plan.

Location and Contact

10313 Georgia Avenue, Suite #201, Silver Spring, Maryland 20902 · Phone: (301) 592-0505 · Email: blankenpod@aol.com · Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00