Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgery Scope: Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery is a specialized subfield of orthopaedics that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. This type of orthopaedic surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in the foot and ankle, and it involves the use of sophisticated techniques and technologies to diagnose, treat, and prevent foot and ankle problems.
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons treat a variety of conditions that affect the foot and ankle, including fractures, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, tendon tears, and arthritis. In addition, they can perform corrective procedures such as bunionectomies and arthroscopies to improve the alignment of the bones in the foot and ankle. They can also provide preventive care for the feet and ankles to reduce the risk of injury or other problems.
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons use nonsurgical options such as bracing, casting, physical therapy, orthotics, pain medications, and steroid injections. For more severe or chronic conditions, they may also perform surgical procedures such as bunionectomies, arthroscopy, fusion surgery, osteotomies, tendon repairs, and joint replacement.
In addition to diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions, orthopaedic surgeons also provide preventive care for the feet and ankles to reduce the risk of injury or other problems. This care includes advice on proper footwear for physical activities, custom orthotics for better foot alignment, and stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
To become a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, a physician must complete a residency in orthopaedic surgery following by a fellowship in foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery. During fellowship, the surgeon will gain experience in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of foot and ankle conditions.
Related Medical Specialties to Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgery
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery is closely related to several other medical specialties. These include podiatry, which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the feet and lower legs; physical therapy, which helps restore physical functioning after an injury or illness; physiatry, otherwise known as rehabilitation medicine; and rheumatology, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.
In addition, foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons often collaborate with orthotists and prosthetists to provide custom-made devices for the feet and ankles. Orthotists specialize in designing, constructing, fitting, aligning, adjusting, and servicing corrective devices for the feet and ankles. Prosthetists specialize in designing, constructing, fitting, aligning, adjusting, and servicing artificial limbs.
Medical-Legal Cases Involving Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical-legal cases involving foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery involve the diagnosis and treatment of injuries or conditions of the foot and ankle.