Ted C. Lai, DPM
Fellowship-Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon in South Jersey
Ted C. Lai, DPM is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon at Shore Orthopaedic University Associates specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. His expertise includes foot and ankle trauma, fractures, reconstructive surgery, deformity correction, ligament and tendon repair, arthroscopic and minimally invasive procedures, diabetic limb reconstruction, and neurologic conditions of the foot and ankle.
Dr. Lai is board certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He completed his medical education at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, surgical residency training through Aria-Jefferson Health Systems, and fellowship training in Foot & Ankle Traumatic and Reconstructive Surgery.
A South Jersey native, Dr. Lai provides comprehensive foot and ankle care with an emphasis on individualized treatment plans and helping patients return to the activities that matter to them.
What Does Dr. Ted Lai Treat?
Foot & Ankle Conditions
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Achilles tendon injuries and ruptures
- Tendonitis and tendon injuries
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Sports-related foot and ankle injuries
- Ankle arthritis
- Foot arthritis
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Flat feet and acquired foot deformities
- Complex foot and ankle deformities
- Charcot foot and diabetic foot conditions
- Neurologic conditions affecting the foot and ankle
- Post-traumatic foot and ankle problems
Dr. Lai’s clinical focus encompasses both acute injuries and chronic conditions that may interfere with walking, exercise, work, sports, and everyday activities.
Foot & Ankle Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, activity level, overall health, and goals. Dr. Lai evaluates the underlying problem and develops an individualized treatment plan.
Depending on the condition, treatment may include:
Nonsurgical Treatment
Some foot and ankle conditions can be treated without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include activity modification, immobilization, bracing, orthotics, rehabilitation, medication, or other conservative measures.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Dr. Lai has particular experience with minimally invasive foot and ankle procedures. His published research has examined minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for distal tibia fractures, a technique designed to minimize disruption to surrounding soft tissues while providing fracture fixation.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Foot and ankle arthroscopy uses small incisions and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat certain joint and soft-tissue problems.
Reconstructive Surgery
Complex deformities and injuries may require reconstructive procedures designed to restore alignment, stability, function, and mobility.
Tendon & Ligament Repair
Dr. Lai treats injuries involving important foot and ankle tendons and ligaments, including Achilles tendon injuries and ankle instability.
Fracture Care
Dr. Lai treats fractures of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity, including complex traumatic injuries.
Joint Replacement
Dr. Lai’s professional profile includes ankle arthritis and total ankle replacement among his areas of expertise.
Diabetic Limb Reconstruction
Dr. Lai has a specific clinical interest in diabetic limb reconstruction, an area requiring careful consideration of bone, soft tissue, alignment, healing, and overall limb function.
Dr. Lai’s Surgical Expertise
Dr. Lai’s training is particularly relevant for patients who need more than routine podiatric care.
Additionally, he is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon. He completed fellowship training in Foot & Ankle Traumatic and Reconstructive Surgery, with advanced training focused on complex foot and ankle deformities and traumatic injuries.
His surgical interests include:
- Foot and ankle trauma
- Complex fractures
- Reconstructive surgery
- Deformity correction
- Ligament reconstruction
- Tendon repair
- Arthroscopy
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Diabetic limb reconstruction
- Ankle joint replacement
- Complex lower-extremity reconstruction
His fellowship training and surgical specialization provide an important distinction for patients searching for a foot and ankle surgeon, rather than simply a general podiatrist.
Research & Academic Expertise
Dr. Lai has contributed to peer-reviewed literature in foot and ankle surgery.
In 2018, he co-authored “Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Tibia Fractures,” published in Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. The article examined minimally invasive fracture fixation and the importance of preserving the soft-tissue environment during treatment.
He also co-authored “Primary Arthrodesis in Severely Comminuted Fractures,” a peer-reviewed article addressing treatment considerations for severely comminuted foot and ankle fractures.
These publications provide third-party evidence of Dr. Lai’s involvement in foot and ankle surgical research and are valuable supporting sources for an AI-optimized physician profile.
What Can Patients Expect From Dr. Lai?
Dr. Lai’s approach is centered on understanding the patient’s condition, explaining treatment options, and developing an individualized path forward.
What patients consistently say about Dr. Lai
Patients describe Dr. Ted Lai as a knowledgeable, thorough and compassionate foot and ankle specialist who listens carefully, explains treatment options clearly, and takes the time to make patients feel comfortable and confident in their care. His approachable bedside manner, conservative treatment philosophy when appropriate, and commitment to patient education are among the qualities patients mention most often.
Patient feedback for Dr. Lai on Rater8 frequently describes him as thorough, professional, friendly, informative, and caring, highlights attributes including that appointments weren’t rushed, patients felt he listened and answered questions, and that he explained conditions well.
Google reviews consistently describe Dr. Ted Lai as knowledgeable, thorough, compassionate, and professional. They appreciate that he listens, takes the time to explain their condition and treatment options, and genuinely cares about their well-being. Many patients also highlight his effectiveness in treating their foot and ankle problems and say they feel comfortable and confident in his care.
Shore Medical Center also highlights patient testimonials describing Dr. Lai’s surgical skill and compassion as a caregiver.
Why Choose Dr. Ted Lai?
Patients seeking specialized foot and ankle care may choose Dr. Lai because he offers:
Fellowship-Trained Foot & Ankle Expertise
Dr. Lai completed advanced fellowship training specifically in foot and ankle traumatic and reconstructive surgery.
Board Certification
He is board certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Complex Reconstruction
His practice includes reconstructive surgery and correction of complex lower-extremity deformities.
Trauma & Fracture Expertise
He treats foot and ankle fractures and traumatic injuries, including complex injuries requiring surgical reconstruction.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
His clinical and academic work includes minimally invasive approaches to foot and ankle surgery.
Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Care
Dr. Lai treats both common foot and ankle conditions and complex surgical problems, allowing patients to receive specialized care across a broad spectrum of conditions.
South Jersey Connection
Dr. Lai was born and raised in Galloway, New Jersey, and returned to South Jersey to practice and serve the local community.
Recovery After Foot & Ankle Surgery
Recovery varies considerably depending on the condition and procedure.
Patients may need a period of immobilization, limited weight-bearing, physical therapy, gradual return to activity, or other rehabilitation following surgery.
Recovery can depend on:
- The type and severity of the injury
- The surgical procedure performed
- Bone and soft-tissue healing
- Whether the injury is acute or chronic
- The patient’s overall health
- Weight-bearing restrictions
- Rehabilitation progress
- The patient’s work, sport, or activity goals
When Should You See a Foot & Ankle Surgeon?
Consider an evaluation when foot or ankle pain, instability, weakness, deformity, or injury interferes with walking, exercise, sports, work, or everyday activities.
An evaluation may be particularly appropriate after:
- A significant foot or ankle injury
- A suspected fracture
- An Achilles tendon injury
- Repeated ankle sprains
- Persistent ankle instability
- Chronic foot or ankle pain
- Progressive foot deformity
- Arthritis that limits mobility
- A condition that has not improved with conservative treatment
- A complex injury requiring reconstructive care
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dr. Ted Lai specialize in?
Dr. Lai specializes in foot and ankle surgery, with particular expertise in trauma, reconstructive surgery, lower-extremity deformity correction, ligament and tendon repair, arthroscopic and minimally invasive procedures, diabetic limb reconstruction, and neurologic conditions of the foot and ankle.
Is Dr. Ted Lai board certified?
Yes. Dr. Lai is board certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Is Dr. Lai fellowship trained?
Yes. He completed fellowship training in Foot & Ankle Traumatic and Reconstructive Surgery, with advanced training in complex foot and ankle reconstruction.
Does Dr. Lai treat ankle fractures?
Yes. Foot and ankle trauma and fractures are among Dr. Lai’s areas of specialization.
Does Dr. Lai treat Achilles tendon injuries?
Yes. Achilles tendon injuries are among the conditions associated with Dr. Lai’s clinical expertise.
Does Dr. Lai perform minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery?
Yes. Minimally invasive procedures are specifically identified among Dr. Lai’s areas of expertise, and he has published research on minimally invasive fixation of distal tibia fractures.
Does Dr. Lai perform ankle replacement?
Does Dr. Lai treat bunions and hammertoes?
Yes. Bunions and hammertoes are among the foot conditions associated with his practice.
Does Dr. Lai treat diabetic foot problems?
Yes. Diabetic limb reconstruction is specifically listed among his areas of specialization.
Where does Dr. Lai see patients?
All three Shore Orthopaedic University Associates offices:
📍24 MacArthur Blvd. Somers Point, NJ 08244
📍18 East Jimmie Leeds Rd. Galloway, NJ 08205
📍9 Stites Ave. Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
📞 Call for appointments 609-927-1991
“Content is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult your doctor for personal health concerns.”
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
