For the best possible Foot and Ankle care, Look for the “O” – a Foot and Ankle ORTHOPAEDIC Surgeon
Introduction
The Look for the “O” campaign is intended to create public awareness by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) for all kinds of foot and ankle issues. The objective of the campaign is to educate all Americans about the importance to seek medical attention by a trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon for any kind of foot and ankle problems.
Who is a Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeon?
A Foot and Ankle orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders involving the human musculoskeletal system, including the nerves, ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints, and bones in the feet and ankles. A foot and ankle surgeon is a specialty trained expert physician with 10+ years of training and experience with unmatchable expertise in the field of foot and ankle care. No other healthcare provider holds the in-depth knowledge or skill set to manage and treat the wide spectrum of foot and ankle injuries and diseases.
Why Look for a Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeon?
- Training: A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon undergoes 4 years of medical schooling and 5 years of residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery. After residency, the surgeon then undergoes an extra 1-year of advanced fellowship training program that focuses exclusively in the care of the foot and ankle.
- Expertise: Following extensive training, a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon gains the expertise to treat a wide range of foot and ankle disorders, including common issues such as plantar fasciitis and bunions, to arthritis, traumatic injuries, and complex foot and ankle deformities.
- Patient Care: With the comprehensive medical training and expertise that a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons hold, they are equipped to address a variety of foot and ankle conditions in relation to an individual’s body health by precise diagnosis of a condition and determining the best possible treatment alternative for both non-surgical as well as surgical cases.
What are the Conditions Treated by Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeon?
Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons can treat a variety of foot and ankle disorders, such as:
- Strains, sprains, soft-tissue tears, fractures, and dislocations
- Arthritis and disorders warranting joint replacement or preservation
- Trauma and sports injuries, such as Achilles tears or ruptures, turf toe, and tendinitis
- Flat feet, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and bunions
- Disorders of the nerves and congenital anomalies, such as club foot
When Should I Look for An Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon?
Although most people assume that orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons are specialists who only treat complex foot and ankle problems or problems that warrant surgery, the fact is they can also treat common foot and ankle conditions, such as heel spurs, fallen arches, hammer toe, plantar fasciitis, and many more. Your foot and ankle surgeon diagnoses the source of the problem by examining your foot and ankle to detect any abnormal changes, such as a change in shape, swelling, or discoloration and also check for sensation, circulation, pain, and function. To ensure optimal foot and ankle health, your doctor will explore a wide range of treatment options, beginning with conservative treatment options for minor cases to highest level of surgical care and intervention for complex cases.
Consult Dr. Candice Brady, DO, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon, for the treatment and management of any foot and ankle issues and especially, if surgery is recommended.
Always remember to look for the “O” - a Foot and Ankle ORTHOPEDIC Surgeon for all your foot and ankle care.
