Dr. Tarka is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. He is dedicated to helping patients recover from injuries, relieve chronic pain, and restore mobility so they can return to their daily activities and work.

Serving patients in Creve Coeur, Wentzville, and Rolla, Missouri, Dr. Tarka provides comprehensive care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, workplace injuries, overuse problems, and degenerative disorders. He offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options and works closely with each patient to create an individualized care plan focused on long-term recovery and function.

Dr. Tarka takes a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to orthopedic care. His goal is not only to treat the condition, but also to help patients regain strength, stability, and confidence in their movement so they can return to their normal routines as safely and efficiently as possible.

Dr. Mitchell Tarka was born and raised in St. Louis and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After spending time as a robotics design engineer, he returned to the University of Missouri-Columbia for medical school, where he graduated in the top 8% of his class.

After medical school, he completed an Orthopaedic residency at the University of Vermont. In that time, he was able to publish multiple papers in internationally recognized journals.

After residency, he completed a fellowship at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, MD, specializing in foot and ankle surgery. His fellowship emphasized ankle arthroscopy, ankle fracture care, total ankle replacement, and minimally invasive foot and ankle reconstruction. His training also included care of the injured athlete with surgeries completed on NFL, MASL, and NCAA athletes.

He has received the Roger H Michael award for research and has won the Goldner award finalist at the 2023 American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Meeting. His research includes articles on foot and ankle surgery, Achilles tendon ruptures, lower extremity anatomy, and sport-specific injuries.

Dr. Tarka has received the Goldner Award – best basic science paper in 2023, given by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) for work on the Achilles tendon injuries

Foot and ankle conditions can significantly impact mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. These issues often develop from repetitive stress, sports injuries, workplace accidents, or acute trauma.

Dr. Tarka treats a comprehensive range of foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Ankle fractures and foot fractures
• Ankle sprains and ligament injuries
• Achilles tendon injuries and tendonitis
• Chronic ankle instability
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendon injuries affecting the foot and ankle
• Arthritis of the foot and ankle joints
• Overuse injuries of the foot and ankle
• Work-related foot and ankle injuries

Patients throughout St. Louis, Rolla, and surrounding Missouri communities commonly seek care when pain, swelling, or instability begins to interfere with walking, work, or daily activities. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent further injury and support a faster, more complete recovery.

Foot and ankle injuries are common in the workplace, particularly in roles that require prolonged standing, climbing, lifting, or repetitive motion. These demands can place significant strain on the lower extremities and increase the risk of both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

Dr. Tarka has extensive experience treating work-related foot and ankle injuries and understands the importance of helping patients return to work safely and efficiently. He works closely with employers, case managers, and workers’ compensation teams to ensure coordinated care and a smooth recovery process.

Common workplace injuries he treats include:

• Ankle sprains resulting from slips, trips, or falls
• Foot and ankle fractures
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries affecting the foot and ankle
• Tendon injuries related to heavy labor or repetitive movement

Dr. Tarka develops individualized treatment plans that address both the patient’s medical needs and the physical demands of their job, supporting a safe and sustainable return to work.

Not all foot and ankle conditions require surgery. Dr. Tarka typically begins with conservative treatment options focused on relieving pain, improving function, and supporting natural healing.

Non-surgical treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing or custom orthotics
• Injection therapy, when appropriate

When surgery is necessary, Dr. Tarka uses advanced orthopedic techniques designed to restore stability, function, and long-term mobility.

Surgical procedures may include:

• Ankle ligament repair
• Achilles tendon repair
• Foot and ankle fracture repair
• Arthroscopic ankle surgery
• Tendon reconstruction

Dr. Tarka works closely with each patient to ensure they fully understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and expected recovery timeline. His goal is to help patients make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.

Foot and ankle injuries can make even basic daily activities difficult. When these injuries occur in the workplace, a safe and timely return to work becomes a critical part of the recovery process.

Dr. Tarka takes a functional, outcomes-driven approach to care. His focus is on restoring strength, mobility, and stability so patients can confidently return to work and resume their normal routines.

For patients recovering from work-related injuries, he collaborates closely with physical therapists, employers, and case managers to ensure coordinated care and a smooth transition back to work. Treatment plans are designed to support healing while progressively restoring function based on each patient’s job demands.

His care philosophy emphasizes:

• Accurate diagnosis and early intervention
• Individualized, patient-specific treatment plans
• Clear communication with patients and care teams
• Progressive rehabilitation focused on functional recovery
• Safe and sustainable return to work and daily activities