Foot surgery is a highly specialized surgical procedure that can make an amazing change in an individual’s ability to lead a pain-free life. When people have pain in their feet from any condition, simply moving about on a daily basis can be a challenge.
Choosing the best foot surgeon to complete the procedure should be a priority for any patient. Asking for referrals from your primary care physician and working with an orthopaedic surgeon or a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon is essential in ensuring the professional you choose has the experience, training, and expertise to complete your procedure successfully.
DO or DPM?
Making the choice between an Orthopedic Surgeon (DO) or a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is a personal choice. A DO has the ability to complete all types of orthopaedic surgical procedures and will have specific training in foot and ankle care and treatment.
A DPM, on the other hand, specializes in care and treatment of the foot and ankle. They will have the same 4 years of medical training as a DO, but they have more intensive and specialized training in the structure and treatment of feet and ankles.
Both of these professionals will have completed training in all aspects of treatment including vascular surgery, pharmacology, general surgery, and medicine, as well as specific orthopaedic surgery.
Specific Experience
After verifying the physician you are considering is a DO or a DPM, the next point on your checklist should be to verify their experience in performing the surgical procedure you require.
This is important, as the more cases similar to yours the doctor has performed, the more capable he or she will be in effectively completing the surgery and assisting with all post-surgery follow-up requirements. A top surgeon will not be offended if a patient asks about their experience, training, and expertise with a specific surgical procedure.
Transparent and Patient- Friendly
It is important for any foot surgeon to be open, honest, and transparent with their patients. This means they should encourage you to seek another opinion, and will welcome the patient being actively involved as part of the treatment team.
Patient-centered or patient-friendly foot surgeons are also able to answer questions and communicate effectively with patients about reasonable results, potential risks, and recovery issues.
Always plan to schedule a consultation with the foot surgeon you have researched. Use this meeting as a way to determine if the surgeon is a good match for your procedure and a professional who instills confidence and trust from your first meeting.
When searching for foot surgeons, choose our professionals at Suburban Orthopaedics. With years of experience, expertise and experience, we can help. To learn more, go to www.suburbanortho.com.
