For many people in Williamson County, life changes not in a dramatic moment, but in the small steps they can no longer take. At Ankle and Foot Centers (AFC) of Tennessee, those steps are often where the healing begins.
Dr. Jeffery Mitchell and Dr. Jamil Hossain have built a practice that blends advanced technology with a deeply personal approach to care. Patients range from infants and children, to athletes, grandparents and busy professionals who often arrive only after months or years of ignoring a problem. “A lot of the Franklin/ Williamson residents are parents of young children, who use us for foot and ankle pathology. We create a friendly and comfortable environment for both kids and parents to be treated for simple things… from warts to complicated ongoing problems like grown pains.” What they find at AFC Tennessee is a team that treats far more than a foot or ankle. They treat the whole person.
“Whether it’s a lingering foot problem or an unresolved issue, many patients come to us because they haven’t been able to find answers elsewhere,” the doctors shared. Some arrive with symptoms that others have misunderstood or missed. “There have been instances where patients arrived with pain or symptoms that were misdiagnosed simply because their presentation didn’t fit the typical pattern.”
Their work often begins with listening, not operating. Simple conditions are easy to spot. The challenge lies in the cases that require time, clarity and instinct. “Treating a straightforward sprain is easy but what we truly specialize in is diagnosing and treating the out of the box cases where others have struggled,” they said. “In many of these situations, truly listening to the patient’s story and following every detail feels like detective work, piecing together clues to uncover the real problem.”
When answers lead to healing, the result is shared progress. “The best part is working collaboratively with patients to find a solution. And when they ultimately become pain free, it’s a meaningful accomplishment for them, for us, and for our entire staff.”
One of the most powerful transformations they see is in active retirees who worry their days of golf, hiking or traveling may be behind them. The practice has become known for minimally invasive surgery that shortens recovery time and reduces patient risk. “We’ve had many cases in which patients came to us with chronic problems that severely limited their mobility,” the doctors said, describing individuals whose wounds or deformities made even basic movement difficult. “In these situations, offering minimally invasive surgery became a life changing option.” For many people, recovery time dropped by more than half, giving them their freedom back.
The success stems from a willingness to rethink what is possible. “The instruments used in minimally invasive surgery are designed for specific procedures, but by keeping their capabilities in mind and reimagining how we approach different pathologies, we’ve been able to achieve remarkable outcomes,” they said. “This innovative mindset has brought significant success to many of our patients’ lives.”
Some cases require more than advanced tools. They require trust. One patient, a caregiver for older adults, had lived for years with worsening ankle pain that left her nearly unable to walk. She had seen multiple specialists but had never received a clear diagnosis. “By the time she reached our office, her deformity had progressed so far that even walking had become nearly impossible,” the doctors recalled. She feared surgery would end her ability to work.
The first step was understanding her condition correctly. “It was clear she needed surgery, but the most important step was arriving at the correct diagnosis,” they said. With a clear plan and her family included in every discussion, she agreed to move forward. “Not only were we able to correct the deformity and relieve her pain, but she ultimately returned to work and resumed the life she thought she had lost.”
Technology is only one part of the equation. AFC Tennessee takes pride in designing treatment plans that fit the real world demands of the community they serve. “Many of our patients in the Franklin and Williamson areas are hardworking professionals who lead fast-paced lives and spend long hours on their feet,” the doctors said. To support this, the practice has many non-operative options including custom orthotics, laser therapy, and amniotic injections. If surgery is needed, advanced surgical techniques offered at the practice reduce both operating time and recovery.
But the plan is never simply clinical. “We don’t just treat the foot and ankle, we treat the whole person,” they explained. They consider lifestyle, activity level, family plans and long-term goals. “Our patients feel comfortable enough to talk to us, and we give them the opportunity to be heard.” A key part of that is their staff, who the doctors describe as the heart of their environment. “Our incredible staff not only make patients feel welcome but also go the extra mile to ensure every need is met.”
Rehabilitation is where many patients experience their first glimpse of a new life. “Rehabilitation after surgery is essential, and nearly all of our patients receive detailed guidance throughout the process,” they said. Education is central because a knowledgeable patient becomes an empowered one. Strong relationships with physical and occupational therapists ensure that each person receives continuous, high-quality support from the first step to the last.
Sometimes the hardest part for a patient is simply deciding to seek care. “Our message is this: don’t wait,” the doctors emphasized. Foot and ankle pain rarely improves without attention because the body depends on the feet all day. “Think of it this way: your feet carry you through your entire life. Getting ahead of a problem before it grows can mean the difference between a quick fix and a long, difficult recovery.”
Ultimately, restoring movement transforms more than the body. “The results we see are remarkable,” they said. Patients often gain renewed confidence, energy and momentum. They travel again, take on hobbies they missed and live with a freedom they thought was gone.
For Dr. Hossain and Dr. Mitchell, AFC Tennessee is about more than treating symptoms. It is about building something lasting. “Our vision is simple but profound: to remain in this community, do good work, and build a sustainable practice grounded in honesty, integrity, and trust,” they said. “We are proud of what we created. It was not easy getting here, but we sure are glad that we are here.”
And for the patients whose lives have been restored one step at a time, the feeling is mutual.
AFCTennessee.com
“Treating a straightforward sprain is easy but what we truly specialize in is diagnosing and treating the out of the box cases where others have struggled,”