Podiatry: Foot and Ankle Surgery

A podiatrist is a podiatric medicine (DPM) doctor, also known as a podiatric medicine physician/surgeon or "foot doctor".

Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.*

Foot and ankle surgeons are the surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. They provide complete non-surgical and surgical care for various conditions that affect people of every age. Today, foot and ankle surgeons are a new generation of skilled physicians. With the highest level of education, training, and board certification, they are the leaders in foot and ankle care.

Foot and ankle surgeons diagnose and treat all conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg—from heel pain and bunions to diabetic foot care/complications, amputation prevention, plantar fasciitis, bunions/bunion surgery, fasciitis foot, chronic plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, arthritis, sports injuries, infections, trauma, fracture repair of both the foot and ankle, and much more!

Pioneers & Collaborators in the Care of Patients

Foot and ankle surgeons have pioneered breakthroughs in treatment protocols and surgical techniques that have helped millions of patients. They are experts in chronic conditions, such as diabetes, infections, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis (which can all affect lower extremities). They also regularly collaborate on multidisciplinary teams (patients' primary care doctors and specialists) in both the hospital and office settings to ensure the care our patients receive is the best and most comprehensive available.

When Should I See a Foot and Ankle Surgeon?

Anytime you have foot or ankle discomfort, changes in the appearance of your foot or ankle, an abnormal growth, an injury, or a medical condition (diabetes, poor circulation, etc.) that can affect your feet or your ability to function in certain activities is impaired, it's time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.
 

Of the more than 28 million people in the US with diabetes, about half will develop neuropathy, a loss of feeling in the lower extremities. This nerve damage means an open sore or injury on the foot may go unnoticed until it becomes infected, which can eventually lead to the need for partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation.

However, while the risk of foot complications may be frightening, there are many ways in which YOU can help outsmart diabetes!

Take a step in the right direction by having your feet checked regularly by a podiatrist. Podiatrists are the most qualified doctors to care for your feet, based on their education, training, and experience! When you add a podiatrist to your health-care team, he or she can provide you with important information so you're able to better manage the the effects of diabetes on your feet.