Keeping you moving: Foot and ankle surgeon joins AdventHealth Waterman

Whether it is a nagging foot injury or a more serious ankle problem, Lake County residents can take comfort in knowing relief is on the way.

Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Matthew Villani has joined AdventHealth Medical Group and will establish a comprehensive podiatry program at AdventHealth Waterman.

As an AdventHealth Medical Group physician, Villani joins a team of nearly 450 employed AdventHealth physicians and advanced practitioners representing 30 different medical specialties. With 75 practice locations across Flagler, Lake, Sumter, and Volusia counties, AdventHealth Medical Group clinicians collectively cared for more than one million patient visits in 2024.

At AdventHealth Waterman, Villani will specialize in treating foot and ankle injuries through both surgical and non-surgical methods, emphasizing quick recovery for patients. He will address urgent injuries as well as long-term conditions like arthritis and pain management. He is one of the few surgeons in central Florida who perform total ankle replacements and advanced bunion corrections using three-dimensional techniques.

He also has a strong background in sports medicine and works with athletes of all ages and levels, even treating children as young as 18 months old. He served as the foot and ankle team physician for Stetson University for the past two years.

Villani previously cared for patients in Mount Dora, before moving his practice to Lake Mary in 2020. Now, he’s thrilled to be returning to the Lake County community.

“As Lake County grows, so do the needs of the people who live here. I’m so glad to be back in this community, offering foot and ankle care so people can stay active and enjoy the activities they love," said Villani. "While I treat all areas of the foot and ankle, there are very few experienced surgeons in the area who perform complex procedures such as total ankle replacements and Lapiplasty 3D bunion corrections. I am committed to making these advanced treatments more accessible to our community."

Villani earned a doctorate in podiatric medicine from the Temple University in Philadelphia and completed his foot and ankle surgery residency at AdventHealth East Orlando, where he served as chief resident.

Villani is a national speaker and researcher in foot and ankle surgery. He has published articles on tendon transfers and surgical complications and has presented at major conferences on advanced techniques in Achilles tendon repairs and ankle replacements.

Board certified in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery and as a diplomat of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, he has specialty training in:

• Total ankle replacements: Restoring moving and reducing pain for severe ankle arthritis.
• 3D Bunion Correction: A more precise and long-lasting solution for painful bunions.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Faster recovery and less downtime for foot and ankle injuries.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Villani back to our community, said Abel Biri, AdventHealth Waterman president and CEO. “His expertise in advanced foot and ankle procedures will greatly benefit our patients, bringing top-quality care and innovative treatments to those we serve.”

Villani’s office is on the first floor of the medical office building at AdventHealth Waterman. To schedule an appointment, call Call352-253-3251. For more details, visit AdvancedFootandAnkleExperts.com.