What's the Difference Between a Traditional Podiatrist and a Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon?

When most people think of visiting a podiatrist, they imagine routine foot care – perhaps trimming thick toenails, treating a case of athlete’s foot, or addressing minor discomfort. While these services are important, they only scratch the surface of what modern podiatric care can offer. For those dealing with more serious foot and ankle issues, you need a higher level of expertise that a traditional, traditional podiatrist can not fully provide. This is where Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeons step in.

Not All Foot Specialists Are the Same

If you’re facing chronic foot pain, a sports injury, or a complex condition like bunions, hammertoes, or Achilles tendonitis, your needs go beyond basic foot care. Many people don’t realize that there is a significant difference between a traditional podiatrist and a Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon in terms of the scope of care and level of expertise.

A traditional podiatrist might be great for managing routine foot health, such as nail clipping or treating calluses. However, if your issue requires more advanced intervention – whether it’s surgery or non-invasive treatment for severe conditions – you need a specialist trained to handle these cases.

The Solution: Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeons are podiatrists who have completed a 3 year surgical residency, with some also completing advanced surgical fellowships. They’re not just equipped to handle your routine foot care; they have a deeper, more focused expertise in treating the intricate structures of the foot even when compared to orthopedic surgeons, who treat a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions.

The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making it one of the most complex areas of the body. Their specialized training that focuses exclusively on this intricate anatomy, giving them a distinct advantage in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions with precision.

Sample conditions Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeons treat include:

• Bunionectomy – Surgical correction of bunions to relieve pain and restore foot alignment.
• Hammertoe Correction – Surgery to straighten and correct deformities in the toes.
• Achilles Tendon Repair – Surgical intervention for ruptures or chronic tendinitis of the Achilles tendon.
• Plantar Fascia Release – Surgery to relieve chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conservative treatments.
• Ankle Fracture Repair – Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to realign and stabilize broken bones in the ankle.
• Flatfoot Reconstruction – Procedures to correct flatfoot deformities and improve foot function.
• Tarsal Tunnel Release – Surgery to relieve pressure on the posterior tibial nerve, which can cause pain and numbness in the foot.
• Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery – Minimally invasive surgery to treat joint conditions such as arthritis, bone spurs, or cartilage damage.
• Foot and Ankle Fusion – Fusion of bones in the foot or ankle to treat severe arthritis or deformities.
• Neuroma Removal – Surgical excision of Morton’s neuroma, a painful thickening of nerve tissue between the toes.
• Tendon Transfer Surgery – Moving tendons to correct deformities or restore movement after an injury.
• Charcot Foot Reconstruction – Surgery to stabilize and realign the foot in patients with advanced diabetic foot conditions.

At Signature Foot & Ankle, our doctors are board-certified foot and ankle surgeons and have extensive training in treating complex cases that extend beyond basic podiatric care. From advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive procedures, we provide tailored solutions that aim for quicker recovery and lasting relief.

The Right Choice for Advanced Foot Care

When deciding between a traditional podiatrist and a Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon, the choice comes down to the complexity of your condition. If you’re dealing with long-term pain, deformities, or injuries that haven’t responded to basic treatments, it's time to seek the advanced expertise of a foot and ankle surgeon.

At Signature Foot & Ankle, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, from routine checkups to complex surgeries. Don’t let persistent foot or ankle pain affect your quality of life. We’re here to help you get back on your feet – literally.

Take the Next Step in Your Foot Care

Whether you’re looking for relief from chronic pain or considering corrective surgery, the specialized team at Signature Foot & Ankle is ready to provide the expert care you need. Call us today at 561-203-9285 to schedule your appointment, or visit our website at https://signaturefootankle.as.me/schedule.php. We’ll help you take the right step toward healthier feet!