Surgery

A podiatric surgeon is a physician/surgeon who conservatively treats and surgically operates on the foot and ankle. Podiatric surgeons undergo extensive training at an undergraduate university for four years, then four more years at a podiatric medical school, and lastly three years of podiatric surgical residency (with an emphasis on foot and ankle surgery, also infectious disease, medicine, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, orthopedic trauma, podiatric surgery, etc.).

While they get a well-rounded education and experience with many medical specialties which is important for any experienced physician, they also undergo the most in-depth training specifically on the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.

This extensive training not only provides a well-rounded knowledge base, but also provides a deep appreciation of conservative and surgical techniques to treat infections, wounds, fractures, arthritis, ankle sprains, bunions, injuries, flat feet, high arches, etc.

Foot and Ankle Surgeries 

• Forefoot Surgery
• Fractures/Trauma
• Hammertoe Correction
• Limb Salvage
• Toe Deformity Correction
• Neuroma Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Ankle Ligament Repair
• Tendon Repair
• Ankle Arthroscopy
• Amputations
• Subtalar Arthroscopy
• 1st MPJ Fusion (fusion of the big toe joint, often for arthritis or severe bunion deformities)
• Bunion Correction (through open and minimally invasive techniques)
• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Ankle, Calcaneus, Lisfranc, and Forefoot Injuries
• Skin Grafts and Rotational Flaps
• Wound Debridements
• Reconstruction
• Flatfoot and Cavus Reconstruction
• Metatarsus Adductus Surgery
• Midfoot Arthritis
• Ankle pain
• OCD (cartilage lesion) Repair
• Ankle Fusion
• Total Ankle Replacement

Why I should see a podiatric surgeon over an orthopedic surgeon?
Both podiatric surgeons and orthopedic surgeons may treat the foot and ankle. Some orthopedic surgeons specialize in the foot and ankle and perform similar surgeries as podiatric surgeons. However, there are other orthopedic surgeons who do not specifically specialize in the foot and ankle but will occasionally treat foot and ankle injuries.

While there are many excellent podiatric and foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons out there, it is important to be seen by a specialist whose practice is dedicated to the foot and ankle day in and day out and is up to date on the newest advancements in treatment.