Foot and Ankle physicians/ surgeons who specialize in the lowest part of the leg and the ankle received specialized training to treat the many problems affecting the feet and ankles. There are many difficulties that stem from halfway down the lower leg all the way to the toes. This is a highly specialized area for a physician to be an expert.
Different types of doctors can treat these conditions surgically and non-surgically, including orthopedic surgeons (MD’s/DO’s) and podiatric physicians (DPM’s). Often times, additional training after residency is necessary and many of these surgeons will have completed a Fellowship to learn more advanced surgical techniques.
Common conditions treated by Foot & Ankle surgeons
- Achilles tendon rupture (Tear)
- Ankle Fractures
- Ankle Sprains/Fractures in Children
- Sprains, Strains and Other Injuries
- Flatfoot
- Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- Care of the Diabetic Foot
- Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
- Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Heel Pain
- Bunions
- Hammer Toe
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Stiff Big Toe (Hallux Rigidus)
Treatment options include:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Joint replacement
- Ankle Arthroscopy
- Repair of osteochondral defects
- Tendon transfers
- Joint Fusion
- Correction of painful bunions and hammertoes
- Custom Bracing
- Custom Orthotics
- Physical therapy
- High energy shockwave therapy