Find a Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Birmingham, AL 35242 to diagnose and surgically treat individuals with injuries or disorders of the foot.
A foot and ankle surgeon is a medical doctor, either an MD (Medical Doctor) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy), who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with orthopedic disorders of or injury to the foot and ankle including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves and skin.
To achieve this degree, a physician must have completed four years of medical school and five years of accredited graduate medical education, known as a residency, in orthopedic surgery. Many foot and ankle surgeons have also completed advanced fellowship training in this specialty. There are about 650 residency programs available in 170 accredited programs. The orthopedics field is extremely competitive and most candidates for residencies, including foot and ankle, graduate at the top of their medical school classes.
Foot and ankle surgeons are board certified by either the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (MDs) or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (DOs), and must maintain membership in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). To be certified as a specialist by the AAOS, candidates must have completed an orthopedic residency, performed orthopedic surgery for two years and passed the board’s written and oral examinations.
The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) is a medical specialty society for foot and ankle surgeons. All members must have completed both four years of medical and five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery, and most also have completed a year-long advanced fellowship program in treatment and surgery for the foot and ankle.
Why might I see a foot and ankle surgeon?
You might see a foot and ankle surgeon for: break, sprain or fracture, congenital foot deformity, traumatic injury, diabetic foot, infections, arthritic problems, inflammation of the foot, bunions, hammertoes and any other injury or deformity in this area.
To find a foot and ankle surgeon you can ask your primary care physician for recommendations or look on Wellness.com and other practitioner review websites. When you call the surgeon’s office, be sure to ask questions about medical school training, accredited residency, areas of specialty and experience in performing your specific surgery or treatment.
If I see a foot and ankle surgeon, will I also need to see other doctors?
Your foot and ankle surgeon may need to work with other specialties regarding your condition. This could include an internist, pediatrician, vascular surgeon, radiologist, oncologist or endocrinologist.