Foot Surgery Bern (Switzerland): Dr Lars Frauchiger
Treatment focus
- Correction of deformities (hallux valgus, hammertoes)
- Treatment of foot osteoarthritis (joint replacement, corrective osteotomies, cartilage surgery)
- Reconstruction of deformities (flat feet, high arches)
- Sports injuries (ligament and tendon injuries, fractures)
- Nerve damage (decompression procedures, tendon transfer surgeries)
- Rheumatic diseases
Contact
Berner Fuss Zentrum
Papiermühlestrasse 73, CH-3014 Bern
P: +41 31 516 72 31 F: +41 31 332 59 14
Consultation Hours:
Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
by appointment

Medical Range
Range of Diagnostic Services
- Clinical examination by a specialist
- X-ray diagnostics/ultrasound at the practice
- MRI/CT in collaboration with partner facilities
- Infiltrations
- Consultations with specialist teams (neurology, angiology, etc.) at the practice or in collaboration with partner facilities
Range of Therapeutic Services
- Joint-preserving surgery, joint replacement procedures
- Ankle joint replacement
- Fusion procedures
- Reconstruction of severe deformities (flat feet/high arches)
- Correction of forefoot problems (hallux valgus, hammertoes, metatarsalgia)
- Reconstruction of ligaments and tendons (treatment of instability)
- Arthroscopic procedures
- Treatment of fractures, ligament tears, and tendon tears
- Treatment of nerve problems
- Treatment of inflammation
More Information
Card
Dr Lars Frauchiger is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal traumatology, with a focus on foot and ankle surgery. He runs his own clinic, the Berner Fuss Zentrum.
At the Berner Fuss Zentrum, Dr Frauchiger provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for foot and ankle surgery, ranging from conservative treatments to minimally invasive and complex surgical procedures. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and individual care, the center is committed to providing high-quality medical care and personalized patient support from diagnosis to full recovery.
Specialist in Foot Deformities: Hallux Valgus and Hammer Toes
Dr Lars Frauchiger specializes in treating patients with toe and forefoot deformities, particularly hallux valgus and hammertoes. At the Berner Fuss Zentrum, the process begins with a precise diagnosis, including a clinical examination, X-rays, and functional foot analysis. Based on these findings, Dr Frauchiger then develops personalized treatment plans.
Conservative treatments such as orthotics, physiotherapy, and insoles can alleviate symptoms, but they are often insufficient for severe deformities. In such cases, minimally invasive or open surgical correction is used, depending on the severity of the deformity.
All procedures aim to restore the foot to its natural shape, provide significant pain relief, and enable weight-bearing capacity to return to normal. At the same time, Dr Frauchiger takes care to preserve joint function and provide optimal support during the healing phase.
Treatment of Foot Osteoarthritis at the Berner Fuss Zentrum
Osteoarthritis of the foot can cause pain, swelling, and restricted mobility, significantly impairing quality of life. At the Berner Fuss Zentrum, Dr Lars Frauchiger will first determine the exact cause and severity of your osteoarthritis. X-rays and, if necessary, MRI scans provide insight into joint condition and help select the most appropriate treatment.
In the early stages, or when symptoms are mild, orthotics, targeted foot muscle exercises and personalized pain management can help to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. In cases of advanced changes, surgery may be appropriate. This can involve fusing joints (arthrodesis) or replacing them with endoprostheses. In certain cases, corrective osteotomies can also be useful for optimizing weight-bearing.
The aim of all treatments is to provide significant pain relief, restore stability and mobility, and ensure the long-term functionality of the foot. Dr Frauchiger plans each procedure individually and uses modern, minimally invasive techniques to accelerate healing and enable patients to return to daily life quickly.
Long-Standing Experience in the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Injuries
Injuries to the Achilles tendon are caused by overuse, improper loading or acute trauma. These injuries can range from partial tears to complete ruptures, which can significantly impair the mobility and load-bearing capacity of the foot. Dr Lars Frauchiger uses ultrasound or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury and the best possible treatment.
Minor partial tears are often treated conservatively with orthotics, targeted physiotherapy and progressive exercises to strengthen the calf muscles. Complete ruptures or larger tears usually require surgery. Minimally invasive techniques are used in such cases to preserve tissue, promote healing and ensure the tendon's long-term function.
Following this, Dr Frauchiger supports his patients with personalized rehabilitation programs. Through a controlled increase in activity, targeted exercises, and regular follow-up visits, the Achilles tendon can regain its stability, enabling a safe return to daily life and sports.
State-of-the-Art Foot Surgery in Bern for Deformities and Rheumatic Conditions
The process begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Imaging, functional analysis and a comprehensive clinical examination are used to assess the extent of joint involvement. Depending on the results, non-surgical measures such as custom-fitted orthotics, weight-relieving techniques and physical therapy programs are initially employed.
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, Dr Frauchiger offers various surgical options. These include joint-preserving corrections that restore the natural alignment, and targeted arthrodesis of individual joints to achieve pain-free stability. All procedures are carefully planned to ensure that the foot can reliably withstand everyday activity.
Follow-up care is crucial. Through close monitoring, physiotherapy support, and precisely controlled phases of exertion, Dr Frauchiger ensures that the surgical results remain stable in the long term. Additionally, he works closely with specialized rheumatologists to treat systemic rheumatic diseases.
Nerve Relief and Reconstruction in the Foot and Ankle Region
Nerve compression in the foot can cause pain, sensory disturbances, or weakness and often occurs at anatomical narrowing or after injuries. Dr Lars Frauchiger carefully determines which nerve is affected and the severity of the impairment.
Many symptoms can be treated conservatively, for example, through physiotherapy, shoe modifications, or pressure-relief techniques. If symptoms persist or neurological deficits occur, surgical neurolysis is performed. During this procedure, the affected nerve is exposed and freed from the structures compressing it. In specific cases, tendon transfers may also be necessary to improve foot function. Targeted postoperative care supports full recovery and long-term functionality.
Treatment of Foot Injuries: Ligament, Tendon, Bone, and Joint Damage
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for injuries to the foot or ankle, such as those resulting from an accident, overuse or a misstep. At the Bern Fuss Zentrum, Dr Lars Frauchiger uses his extensive experience and state-of-the-art X-ray and ultrasound technology to examine affected children and adults, and determine whether ligaments, tendons, bones, or joint structures are involved.
Many injuries can be treated without surgery, for example with stabilizing casts, rest and targeted physical therapy. For more complex damage or instability, Dr Frauchiger can perform surgery to restore the foot’s natural stability and will guide patients through the entire rehabilitation process until their mobility and weight-bearing capacity are fully restored.
Please visit the Berner Fuss Zentrum website for more information.
Curriculum Vitae
| 03/2018 – to date | Private Practice: Berner Fuss Zentrum and Affiliated Physician at Salem Hospital |
| 2011 - 2017 | Head of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Thun Hospital |
| 2010 - 2011 | Senior Physician, Orthopedics, Foot and Ankle, Inselspital Bern |
| 2006 - 2010 | Senior Physician, Orthopedics, Thun Hospital |
| 2005 - 2005 | Assistant Physician in Hand Surgery, Inselspital Bern |
| 2003 - 2006 | Assistant Physician, Orthopedics, Inselspital Bern |
| 2001 - 2003 | Assistant Physician Orthopedics/Surgery, Regionalspital Thun |
| 2000 - 2000 | Doctorate at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern |
| 1993 - 2000 | Studies at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern |
Transport Connections
| Bern Station | 3 km |
| Bern Belp Airport | 19 km |
| Basel Airport | 104 km |
| Zurich Aiport | 125 km |
| Genf Airport | 159 km |
Information about Bern
The Swiss federal city of Bern is also the capital of the canton of the same name, making it the largest administrative center in Switzerland. Bern is in the greater Espace Mittelland region or, in colloquial terms, simply in the Mittelland. The Federal Palace in Bern is home to the Swiss parliament and government. The river flows around Bern's old town on both sides of the Aare. High bridges over the Aare create a connection to the other parts of the city.












