Dr. Ahmed is a valuable addition to Nilssen Orthopedics because she brings with her expertise in the treatment of disorders related to the ankle and foot. She performs open as well as arthroscopic surgery.
CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES
Ankle Osteoarthritis
When you are experiencing pain in the ankle, it is often from a type of arthritis affecting this joint known as ankle osteoarthritis.
LEARN MORELisfranc Injury
This is an injury of the foot in which one or more of the metatarsal bones are displaced from the tarsus.
LEARN MORESyndesmosis Sprain
A syndesmosis sprain, also referred to as a high ankle sprain, occurs as a result of ligament damage in the ankle.
LEARN MOREHallux Rigidus
A form of degenerative arthritis, which can cause pain and stiffness in the metatarsophalangeal joint (the joint where your big toe—the hallux—joins your foot).
LEARN MOREFlat Foot
A condition in which the entire sole of the foot touches the floor when standing.
LEARN MOREOsteoarthritis of the Foot
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that can cause pain and inflammation in any of the joints in the foot.
LEARN MOREBunions
A bunion, medically termed hallux valgus, occurs when the big toe leans too far into the second one and causes a swelling on the side of the big toe joint
LEARN MOREHammertoes
Hammertoes are a potentially serious problem for people who suffer from poor circulation or diabetes. It is easy to diagnose through a quick examination.
LEARN MOREPeroneal Tendinitis/Dislocation/Subluxation
The peroneal tendon’s primary function is to stabilize the ankle and foot, protecting them from sprains. Dislocation or subluxation is common if in athletes.
LEARN MORELigament Sprain/Instability
When you injure one or more ligaments in your ankle, typically on the outside of your ankle, it is known as an ankle sprain or sometimes called a ligament sprain/instability.
LEARN MOREOsteochondral Defect (OCD)
This is any type of damage to articular cartilage and underlying (subchondral) bone.
LEARN MOREDR. ERIK NILSSEN
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
As founder and guiding force behind the Nilssen Ankle and Foot Center, in Pensacola Florida, Dr. Nilssen devotes his passion for service to building the most premier center in the world. In addition to his practice, he also devotes time to mentoring both Sports Medicine and Foot & Ankle Fellows through the AREI Dual Fellowship Program.
DR. SONYA AHMED
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Sonya Ahmed, MD is a board certified and fellowship-trained Orthopedic Surgeon with expertise in treating disorders of the foot and ankle. Her surgical interests include arthroscopic and open treatment of all foot and ankle disorders, including athletic and reconstructive procedures as well as cartilage transplant procedures.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
I absolutely love Dr. Nilssen and his staff. Justin and Evan went above and beyond after hours to help get a few things situated the night before my surgery. They get you in on time, and don't make you wait! Dr. Nilssen is incredibly knowledgeable and so compassionate. He is the best! I'm so thankful I found his office.read more
Andrea Carter
2018-03-15T01:03:36+0000
What an awesome doc and awesome team! Dr Nilssen repaired my damaged Achilles, by removing some lingering bone spurs and cleaning up the damaged parts of the tendon itself. Though I’m still recovering, I’m killing physical therapy 4 months post op. There’s barely even a scar! From the surgery to every single visit, Dr Nilssen and his staff have treated me like family...taking all of the fear out of receiving such a procedure. Can’t wait to update this review once I’m fully recovered.read more
Randy Aikens
2018-02-02T01:22:00+0000
Always had the doctors full attention and he took time to talk to me about my injury. Awesome staff as well. Always got a call back and received the care I needed.read more
Lindsey Ann
2018-01-18T17:34:59+0000
I have had a great experience with Nilssen Orthopedics. Friendly staff and Dr Kronlage is absolutely the best hand specialist ever.
Diane Blackburn Randolph
2018-01-11T16:56:06+0000
the doc and his staff has been great. the surgery went very well everyone at the hospital was great and very professional. they even called to follow-up with me afterwardsread more
Tammie Hardwick
2018-01-06T18:30:22+0000
I have had a great experience Nilssen Orthopedics. Everyone there has been great with me. Dr. Nilssen did a great job on my foot. If I ever have to have anything else done I will definitely go there!!read more
Becky Lynn Bowers Nagy
2017-11-14T22:27:02+0000
Dr Nilssen basically saved my life! I spent seven years miserable as I had three surgeries to repair a shattered ankle that never worked and the pain had become unbearable! He made it to where I got back to feeling better and walking again! Thank you!read more
Chad Shepherd
2017-10-01T17:21:54+0000
Absolutely the friendliest most advanced staff one could expect from such a well known trusted practice!
Shane Williams
2017-09-26T18:58:39+0000
I wish would found this dr. years ago! By far the best! Not only has he fixed my ankle, he works on your relationship with god�
Alena Nary
2017-09-16T19:54:44+0000
Dr. Nilssen is AMAZING!!! After being told I have ankle instability I was scared to death of surgery. He and his staff took great care of me and I am beyond thrilled to say that surgery was a SUCCESS! I would highly recommend him! Thank you so much Dr. Nilssen and staff for everything you did for me. You guys are awesome!read more
Shannon-Shane Joseph
2017-08-17T22:15:55+0000
This is the patient Stephanie Garrett. I am so blessed to have Dr. Nilssen as my Doctor! Outstanding doctor and staff . I love his new Pensacola office on Burgess Rd . I cannot express how much l appreciate his dedication on saving my foot! I will be able to walk again after 2 years! Thank you so much! Stephanie Garrett.read more
Wes Webb
2017-08-04T21:50:44+0000
Takes you serious, listens, and really cares about his patients, the cost, and care. Office staff are wonderful. Andrews Institute where my total ankle replacement was done as outpatient was great.read more
Donna Trease
2017-05-29T22:26:46+0000
My husband has so far had 3 surgeries done by Dr. Nilssen and we have NO complaints! He is a great man and an even greater doctor. He works with an entire team of amazing people who really do care about your injury and healing process. Every appointment is like a visit with family and we absolutely love it. We will continue to work with them through this process and I will ALWAYS recommend him! Thanks guys for being so awesome!!read more
Monet Randle
2017-05-29T06:01:21+0000
Dr. Nilssen is fabulous everyone is so caring and helpful. They are great at answering your questions and will help you in any situation.
Katy Boykin
2017-05-28T16:32:56+0000
He was amazing. When i was nervous he helped me calm down, and expressed our. eat options. He treated me like his own kid. He has a way of making you feel like you can express your opinion and I find that rare in a doctor. He works magic!read more
Abby Gallahar
2017-05-11T04:07:44+0000
Dr Nillsen operated on my right foot about 2 years ago and will do so again this week. I have total confidence in his abilities as well as the entire staff ! They put you at ease, and explain everything so that you understand your choices and procedures. I'm lucky to have found this great surgeon!read more
Pepper McKenna
2017-05-08T00:39:36+0000
10 Star Rating !!I wouldn't be walking, if it weren't for Dr. Erik Nilssen and his wonderful, professional, staff.Everyone at Dr. Nilssen's office IS FAMILY !!THANK YOU SO MUCH !!read more
Greg Porch
2017-04-28T23:25:37+0000
Thank you for helping my mom with her foot Neuroma! She has been hurting for years and is now pain-free!
Ellen Jauncey
2017-04-17T23:27:34+0000
The staff is very helpful and take the time to answer your questions and concerns. Dr. Nilssen was extremely confident in my full ankle replacement and was the first Dr I have visited with this much confidence of my full recovery. I am 12 weeks into the recovery process and physical therapy. I am looking forward to my visit again in 8 weeks to see the results.read more
Susan Petty
2017-03-31T21:59:20+0000
Dr Nilssen and his staff are amazing. Will use again. Had another surgery yesterday. The nurses at Andrews Institute are great too. Would not want to go anywhere else.read more
Tammy Correll
2017-03-30T14:49:03+0000
Dr. NIlssen is excellent! I have been to him several times and referred several friends who have been very impressed. His staff is really good about getting an appointment scheduled very promptly. He gets 5 stars from me!read more
Pat Massey Fogg
2017-02-23T18:45:12+0000
I was referred to Dr.Nilssen from a local Ortho in Clermont, FL. I drove from Orlando, FL to have Surgery for my Left Ankle. I've already had this surgery one time when I was a child, but had to have it again as I have OSTEOCHONDRAL DEFECT (OCD). Dr. Nilssen and staff were very pleasant and scheduled my office visit and surgery remotely so I didn't have to go all the way there and then come back to have surgery. I did have a long drive after surgery which was very uncomfortable, however a few months later I was back to running! Thank you Dr. Nilssen and staff you got me back to running in no time!read more
Justin Reau
2017-02-23T13:02:48+0000
Dr. Nilssen removed a neuroma from my foot 1 year ago and more recently had another removed by a different doctor. I had much less post surgical symptoms after the surgery performed by Dr. Nilssen. I will definitely go back to him for the next surgery as I have more neuromas. Dr. Nilssen and his staff are very professional and friendly!!read more
Tara Mosblech
2017-02-14T21:01:07+0000
Being born with clubfeet 39 years ago, I've seen my fair share of orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Nilssen is by far my favorite.
Amanda Allen
2017-02-09T18:41:06+0000
A friend referred me to Dr Nilssen and I'm so thankful. I have had two surgeries, the first in September 2016 and the second in December 2016 for bunion removal. The procedures weren't bad, outpatient. However, I was shocked at how painful the recovery has been. The care and concern shown by Dr Nilssen and his staff has been amazing. I'm glad I had the procedures done and highly recommend Dr Nilssen and his team.read more
Debbie Henderson Ledwell
2017-01-11T23:03:21+0000
This was my second procedure using Dr. Nilsssen, the man knows his business! If you have issue with your feet don't waste your time on other doctors!His new office is amazing! On my first visit I had the MRI on site and procedure scheduled, words can't explain how easy he has made it to get better.read more
Michael Fitts
2016-12-16T21:13:38+0000
My friends who are surgeons unanimously referred me to Dr Eric Nilssen, when my ankle was broken. His office arranged my fist appointment on a Monday morning following Vereran's weekend, after I contacted them about 4 pm on a Friday afternoon. Dr. Eric and his staff were spot on. I had issues post surgery with my initial cast and Justin was immediately responsive. Immediately, he had me come into the office and removed the old cast and replaced it with great care. Many of us don't realize the impact of the cast on tour body part and being sensitive to it is very important. I would only go to Dr Nilssen for ankle issues. I'm one week post surgery and will review again once I'm off the cast, crutch and back to normal.read more
Pandora de Balthazar
2016-11-23T21:26:45+0000
Dr. Nilssen and his staff are extremely nice and professional. He is an amazing surgeon and he has great bedside manners. I would recommend Dr. Nilssen and his staff to anyone!read more
Carolyn Karston
2016-11-17T22:29:17+0000
As one of Dr. Nilssen's earlier patients in the area, I have referred many to his care. After several ankle fractures and reconstructions, his expertise has had me walking in 3 inch heels, scuba diving and walking without a limp or pain since he resolved the issues. Extremely smart, innovative and patient focused, I would not recommend another specialist for foot and ankle care. With such vision and commitment to care, start and end your care plan with his team. It will be time and money well spent.read more
Rachael Moore
2016-10-25T20:15:18+0000
Dr. Nilssen operated on my ruptured achilles tendon. First Class service overall. Treated me so well. There is no email or phone call unanswered. I highly recommend Dr. Nilssen and the staff at Andrews Institute for your orthopedic problems.read more
Jacque Wyatt
2016-06-15T23:59:50+0000
He repaired a severed tendon in my son's foot and treated my daughters broken foot. Awesome, super talented, great bedside manners. We highly recommend him. Thanks again for the great care that you provided us.read more
Charles Hantz
2015-11-06T05:49:01+0000
Dr. Nillsen is a hero! He has been blessed with an incredible gift. We are eternally grateful to him and his staff!
Karen Walker Stewart
2015-11-03T23:08:44+0000
Dr. Nilssen is my Surgeon, he is patient, kind and he listens to you and explains everything to you in a way you can understand. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for an excellent Foot and Ankle Surgeon you can trust.read more
Lisa Walker
2015-10-31T11:17:47+0000
Dr. Nilssen is my foot specialist/surgeon. I am a teacher and I am thankful for the services that he provides. The office has the most updated technology/equipment. The office staff is friendly and timely on scheduling and questions. Great Medical Treatment, Care and Follow Up ! ! Our local area is blessed to have a doctor who is honest, upfront and forthcoming with treatment, outcomes and expectations to all patients. I highly recommend his services as a specialist and surgeon for anyone. I will definitely request Dr. Nilssen for any future surgeries for foot/ankle.read more
Michelle McBride Thomas
2015-10-28T01:38:08+0000
Dr Nilssen is a great Doctor. After 3 bad surgeries locally, he was honest and up front about the situation that I had been left with. He will be doing my other foot. I refer everyone with foot problems to him.read more
Leisa Harper Smith
2015-10-26T18:05:56+0000
OUR BLOG
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST UPDATES
5 Reasons Not To Wear Flip Flops
When Summer arrives, it’s time to find a pair of flip flops…or is it? Although flip flops represent the onset of Summer, they’re not appropriate for everyday use.
Things You Should Know About Your Feet
Many times, there are steps that can be taken to prevent the onset of foot pain. Taking care of your feet now by following these guidelines can ward off future problems.
Alternatives to Ankle Replacement Surgery
While there are times when ankle replacement surgery is the only option, sometimes alternative treatments, such as these, can be used to address ankle arthritis.
Getting a Total Ankle Replacement Procedure vs. Having Ankle Fusion Surgery
When the quality of life suffers due to pain and the inability to participate in enjoyable activities, surgical intervention should be considered. Understanding the difference between these two procedures can help ensure the right choice is made when planning treatment for ankle pain.
Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis
Ankle stiffness and pain may be a sign of osteoarthritis. This information can help identify symptoms and understand how the foot and ankle are affected.
Total Ankle Replacement: Frequently Asked Questions
While TAA can be a very good solution for many patients with advanced ankle arthritis, it’s not always the best solution. In general, TAA may not be a good choice for patients with:
Midfoot Pain: It Could Be a Navicular Fracture
Because of its location in the midsection of the foot, the navicular bone is a common site of fractures, especially among athletes. Navicular fractures can become much worse without proper treatment, resulting in far more serious issues that require much more extensive treatment and can even result in permanent disability.
