Precision Care, Faster Recovery

Minimally Invasive Surgery inFort Mill

Don’t let the fear of painful downtime keep you from relief. SmartStep Foot and Ankle utilizes micro-incision techniques to correct bunions, bone spurs, and soft-tissue masses, drastically reducing pain and letting you walk in days, not weeks.

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photo of two smiling women walking along the greenway near Fort Mill SC

Traditional open foot surgery often requires large, invasive incisions that disrupt surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This soft-tissue trauma is the main culprit behind severe post-operative pain, extensive swelling, and long weeks off your feet.

SmartStep Foot & Ankle Offers a Smarter Way

Dr. Lanier specializes in minimally invasive foot surgery. By working through tiny micro-incisions under high-resolution imaging, we precisely correct underlying bone and joint deformities while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. This advanced approach delivers predictable, long-lasting structural correction with a fraction of the downtime.

At SmartStep Foot and Ankle, our patients receive care from Dr. Thurmond Lanier, DPM, MPH, FACFAS, an experienced foot and ankle surgeon. We seek out conservative care first using treatments like biomechanical adjustments, custom orthotics, and personalized guidance and lifestyle adjustments.

In cases where surgery is recommended, we utilize advanced minimally invasive technologies and techniques designed around your goals. For many patients, minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery can mean faster healing with less downtime.

Micro-Incisions: Lower risk of infection & minimal scars.
Soft-Tissue Preservation: Can result in less post-op pain.
Rapid Mobility: May lead to a faster transition to walking safely in a boot.
Non-Metal Options: Bio-absorbable hardware available.

photo of a woman holding her foot in pain

photo of a person walking on a treadmill after minimally invasive foot surgery

Smaller Cuts Can Mean Soft-Tissue Preservation & Minimal Scarring.

photo of people on a walking trail in Fort Mill SC

High-Tech Non-Metal Hardware Available to Avoid Future Removal.

grandfather playing with grandkids outside after foot surgery

Many Patients Walk in a Boot Within a few days instead of weeks or months.

Condition	Common Symptoms	Our Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach
Bunions & Bunionettes	Painful bony bumps at the base of the big or pinky toe; shoe friction and joint redness.	Micro-incision bone realignment and internal stabilization, preserving soft tissues and restoring normal foot width.
Bone Spurs & Joint Stiffness	Deep joint pain, restricted motion, and friction bumps on top of the foot or heel.	Precision micro-cheilectomy to shave away motion-blocking spurs through millimeter-sized openings.
Soft-Tissue Masses & Ganglion Cysts	Painful lumps, tingling from nerve pressure, or localized swelling under the skin.	Targeted micro-excision to remove the mass entirely while protecting adjacent nerves and blood vessels.
Hammertoes & Claw Toes	Rigid, bent toe joints causing painful friction, corns, and pressure on the ball of the foot.	Micro-incision tendon releases and joint realignments that flatten the toe without large open cuts.

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Natural Integration: Made from advanced biopolymers, these surgical screws and pins provide rigid support initially, then gradually absorb into your natural bone over time.
No Future Removal: Eliminates the need for a second surgery to remove uncomfortable metal hardware.
No Cold-Weather Sensitivity: Avoids the cold ache or phantom pressure often caused by traditional steel or titanium plates and screws.

Avoid Hospital-System Delays: Don’t wait 1 to 2 months just to get a surgical evaluation. We reserve daily open slots so you can be evaluated in 24 to 48 hours.
Outpatient Convenience: All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis—you return home the very same day to recover comfortably in your own space.
Insurance & Upfront Pricing: We accept major commercial insurance plans. For high-deductible or uninsured patients, we provide clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprise billing.

photo of a podiatrist consulting with a patient

Don’t wait weeks for an appointment while your competitive season or routine slips away. We hold open slots daily so you can be evaluated in 24 to 48 hours.

We accept major commercial insurance plans. For high-deductible or uninsured athletes, we offer clear, upfront cash pricing on all custom orthotics, biological injections, and imaging.

Apply your Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account toward your sports injury consultation, imaging, and custom orthotics.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 54 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Herman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been coming to see Dr. Lanier for a couple of years. He very nice and spends time with you. If you have any foot problems, he is the one to see!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jimmy G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had two separate foot surgeries and both went great
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Littlejohn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been treated by Dr. Lanier for the past two years. He has performed surgery on my foot and has been an excellent. He is compassionate and also very funny. I would recommend him for any foot problems or if you need any surgery to your foot.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   pOp B. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service! Dr. Thurmond Lanier was knowledgeable, thorough, and took the time to ask the right questions. He helped get to the root of my foot issues instead of just treating the symptoms. I felt heard and well cared for throughout my visit. I highly recommend him!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Howard Price 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Lanier is a real miracle worker. He helped me walk again and is the best. If your feet hurt, please go see him!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ashley Degree 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Lanier and his team are great. I have been seeing him for my foot and ankle pain for the last year. Very professional amd friendly.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cassandra Bellamy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are an amazing staff!! Shirley and Dr Lanier are always quick to help and answer any questions!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   JAMES LOGAN 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did great job on my daughter foot with the surgery, taking care of her foot throughout the process.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   da ham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendliest and Most Courteous Staff You'd Ever Want to Work With.  From Beginning to End, the Entire Team Deserves a Gold Medal