What Is A Podiatrist
A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in foot and ankle conditions. They typically treat issues like:
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Sprained ankles.
Podiatrists use surgical and nonsurgical procedures to treat foot and ankle problems. Podiatric surgeons perform procedures like reconstructive surgery, tendon repair and arthroscopic surgery.
Trusted Expert Care For Everything Below The Knee
One team, under one roof. This total care solution is the hallmark of the Mass General Foot & Ankle Center in Waltham. In this new convenient location, we utilize the latest and most advanced technology in foot and ankle care. Our team maintains a collaborative approach to serve our patients and providers.
How Can I Find A Top
You can use Zocdoc to find Orthopedic Consultation doctors who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, theyre invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdocs guidelines.
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What Is An Orthopedist
An orthopedist also known as an orthopedic doctor or orthopedic surgeon treats the entire musculoskeletal system. If you have a condition affecting your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissue, an orthopedist can treat you.
Orthopedic patients often have injuries like:
- Sprains and strains.
- Sports injuries.
- Arthritic joint damage.
Orthopedic doctors may specialize in subfields such as foot and ankle care. Like podiatrists, they use surgical and nonsurgical forms of treatment. They can perform all types of foot and ankle surgeries, including ankle replacement, Achilles tendon repair and reconstructive surgery.
Sometimes, foot and ankle problems stem from issues with the knees, hips or lower back. Foot and ankle orthopedic specialists may review other orthopedic issues to understand and treat your condition effectively.
Why Choose Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists

Our fellowship-trained foot and ankle doctors at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists completed additional training, specifically in the foot and ankle, and are recognized leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of ankle injuries and conditions. With this advanced training, our foot and ankle doctors, Dr. Kohring, Dr. Padrta, and Dr. Shirzad, are recognized leaders in the industry and have the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat your ankle injury or condition individually to your needs.
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Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Specializes In Advanced Ankle Treatments
Did you know that an average person will walk over 100,000 miles within their lifetime?
When you consider the daily impact and the yearly wear and tear that your feet and ankles sustain from years of walking and weight-bearing, its no wonder that foot pain and ankle injuries are so common. Whatever the condition, all foot and ankle patients share a common concern: ensuring that their care is overseen by the best ankle surgeons available.
Ankle issues are among the most commonly reported causes of patients to seek out the help of a specialist. At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, patients will consistently find the most skilled, qualified foot and ankle surgeons, along with the most extensive range of foot and ankle treatment options.
Foot And Ankle Service
Feet and ankles are some of the most complex and constantly impacted areas of the human body. This leads to frequent injuries that are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. It is critical to receive the proper care and rehabilitation to regain mobility and movement. The Foot and Ankle Service provides expert diagnosis and leads a multidisciplined approach to treat the broad range of foot and ankle conditions that can occur at any stage of life, from newborn to teen years and from active adults to seniors.
- Our physicians are involved in investigating new techniques to improve outcomes.
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Foot And Ankle Surgery
Our foot and ankle experts use cutting-edge science and technology to treat a wide range of muscle, bone, ligament and tendon conditions affecting the foot and ankle. Our experienced team also partners with other Johns Hopkins specialists, including physical therapists, pain management specialists, radiologists and oncologists when necessary to provide quality, personalized treatment plans for every patient.
Nebh Is One Of The Leading Hospitals In The Country For Total Ankle Replacement
Total ankle replacement is a surgical treatment for people with end-stage osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the articular cartilage gradually wears away, or rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition where the body attacks and breaks down the articular cartilage.
In most cases, ankle osteoarthritis is related to a previous ankle injury and is termed, post-traumatic arthritis. X-rays, CT scans and MRI imaging help determine the severity of the ankle cartilage damage.
In a normal ankle, the articular cartilage creates the appearance of a symmetric joint space between the three bones making up the ankle joint . As the articular cartilage wears away, the joint space decreases progressing to bone on bone contact indicative of arthritis.
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Symptoms of Ankle Osteoarthritis:The main symptom usually associated with osteoarthritis in the ankle joint is pain. In the early stages of disease, pain is present with movement or activity . As osteoarthritis progresses, the pain can be present even at rest. Other common symptoms include joint stiffness, loss of ankle motion, ankle joint swelling, and difficulty walking .
Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis:Non-surgical treatment options are frequently tried initially. Once those have been exhausted, surgical intervention is usually necessary. There are three main types of surgical options:
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Do I Need A Podiatrist Or An Orthopedist
Both podiatrists and orthopedists can treat foot and ankle problems. You can see either type of doctor for surgical and nonsurgical solutions. If you want to see an orthopedist, it’s a good idea to choose a doctor that specializes in foot and ankle pain.
Generally speaking, it’s best to choose an experienced doctor with whom you feel comfortable. If you have a complex problem, a foot and ankle orthopedist can address any other musculoskeletal issues that may be contributing to your pain.
Our award-winning foot and ankle specialists, Dr. Brian Thomson and Dr. Jeffrey Willers, have years of experience in treating ankle pain, foot arthritis, ankle replacement, fractures, heel pain, tendon disorders, avascular necrosis, neuromas, hammertoes, bunions, and claw toes.
Are Video Visits With An Orthopedic Consultation Doctor Online Covered By My Insurance
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Orthopedic Consultation doctors who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
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Foot & Ankle Surgeons
How Can I Book An Appointment Online With A Doctor For Orthopedic Consultation

Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find doctors for Orthopedic Consultation and book appointments instantly. You can search for doctors for Orthopedic Consultation or any other visit reason. Then, enter your desired appointment location and choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, youll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
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Diagnosis & Treatment For Chronic Foot & Ankle Pain
Identifying the cause of foot and ankle pain depends on where it is located, what caused or worsened the pain, and whether it is accompanied by specific factors such as difficulty pushing off with the toes, or swelling, bruising and instability.
Common causes of foot and ankle pain include:
Foot problems frequently result from weak muscles, tendons, and ligaments which cause misalignment of the bones and can result in pain and limited mobility. Poor foot posture and function have been implicated in the onset of low back pain. This interconnectedness is essential to recognize and respect in order for the patient to achieve pain relief and improved quality of life.
Personal Letter From Mark Davies
I chose to specialise in foot and ankle disorders when, as a registrar in 1995, I noticed a glaring hole in the world of orthopaedics in the UK. At that time there were no dedicated foot and ankle surgeons in London, and the standard of the care offered was archaic. I had to go to Australia to get the surgical experience to be able to get foot and ankle surgery recognised in the UK.
As a result of specialising in this area for over 20 years, it is not very often that I see a condition that I dont recognise. I have also learned that many conditions, once recognised and treated appropriately, do not require surgery. Unfortunately, we live in an era when everybody wants a quick fix and right now. This often results in inappropriate surgery being performed for all the wrong reasons, and sadly the lure of money affects some surgeons decision-making process.
I am immensely proud of the London Foot and Ankle Centre and all the staff in our four centres. We are a team striving for one goal, and that is to successfully treat all our patients with care, integrity and honesty.
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Learn More About Surgery Options With Our Renowned Foot & Ankle Experts
Hoag Orthopedic Institute continually procures and implements the most advanced operating room equipment, including state-of-the-art technology for arthroscopic foot or ankle surgery, to help deliver the best possible experience for our patients. Our team is highly trained, experienced, and specializes in surgical techniques and treatments that provide relief, restore movement, and help patients return to a health and active life.
From minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to total ankle replacement, Hoag Orthopedic Institute is equipped with advanced tools, techniques, and experienced foot and ankle specialists to provide comprehensive care during all stages from diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating patients.
Learn more about surgical options for foot and ankle conditions by calling or using our online physician directory to find a foot or ankle surgeon.
- Hoag Orthopedic Institute Surgery Center – Newport Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center22 Corporate Plaza , Suite 150 Newport Beach, CA 92660
- HOI Surgery Center – Orange Ambulatory Surgery Center280 S. Main Street , Suite 100 Orange, CA 92868
Introducing Rothman Orthopaedic Institute
The prospect of undergoing ankle surgery can feel stressful and intimidating. Yet, placing your care in the most capable, expert hands relieves a great deal of that stress. More importantly, it ensures that your surgery and recovery will produce exceptional, long-term results that make undergoing orthopaedic surgery worthwhile. For ankle patients in need of surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is the best source for the best ankle surgeons.
Take a moment to learn more about our nationally-renowned practice.
Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is a recognized leader in clinical research and advancements across the field of orthopaedics. For almost five decades, our specialists have been treating patients in the Philadelphia and South Jersey regions. More recently, our practice has expanded to offer our care to patients of the North Jersey and New York regions.
What is it that sets our physicians apart? What distinguishes them as the most renowned orthopaedic surgeons by both patients and medical peers alike? Consider the following:
Each Rothman Orthopaedic Institute physician is an expert in their specialty field.In addition to medical school and residency, our physicians undergo fellowship programs for elite sub-specialization and skill training. That means that when you see a foot and ankle doctor at your appointment, youre getting access to a medical professional with years of extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those specific body parts.
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Specialized Ankle & Foot Care
Working exclusively with the foot and ankle, our surgeons integrate all aspects of specialized care by collectively combining their knowledge, experience, and expertise as the foundation of our foot and ankle team at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists.
Our three fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Jessica Kohring, Dr. Brian Padrta, and Dr. Khalid Shirzad, specialize in the foot and ankle and have dedicated their practices to this field of study. With their commitment to continued education through attending courses, lecturing, writing, and actively learning the newest procedures and techniques, our three surgeons are the most highly skilled foot and ankle surgeons in the area.
What’s The Difference Between A Foot And Ankle Surgeon And A Podiatrist
While both types of doctors can help return a patient to an active lifestyle, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle has a better understanding of the entire body, including bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Through this training, an orthopedic surgeon intimately understands the impact that the entire body can have on a foot and ankle condition, whereas a podiatrist’s expertise is limited strictly to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
Orthopedic surgeons have completed more training than podiatrists. In addition to medical school, orthopedic surgeons are required to complete five to six years of residency, and some orthopedic surgeons elect to complete a fellowship or supplementary training in foot and ankle surgery.
They can provide crucial treatment for foot problems related to diabetes and other systemic illnesses. Orthopedists can also treat heel spurs and fallen arches in addition to bone fractures and the bones’ supporting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. They determine the root of the problem and prescribe medications, physical therapy, or surgery to correct the problem.
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Ankle Treatments At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute
The Foot and Ankle Department at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute features a full spectrum of foot and ankle treatment options for our patients.
Why is having a diverse range of treatments so important for ankle patients? Quite simply, because ankle care is distinctly not one-size-fits-all.
Ankle Conditions
The type of care patients need will depend upon a number of factors, such as the patients medical history, age, and level of activity. Chief among these considerations is the type of ankle condition or injury you have experienced.
Ankle issues may result from a variety of causes. Likewise, these injuries may affect diverse types of patients. Older patients often deal with degenerative ankle conditions that result from years of gradual wear-and-tear on the musculoskeletal components of the foot and ankle. Ankle arthritis is especially prevalent among seniors, but posttraumatic arthritis and autoimmune arthritis varieties commonly affect patients of all ages.
Younger, active patients are particularly prone to traumatic ankle injuries, ranging from sprains and ruptures of connective tissues to ankle fractures.
At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we specialize in the treatment of foot and ankle conditions of all kinds, including:
These are just some of the ankle treatments featured at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.
Top Orange County Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Foot and ankle surgery is a sub-specialty of orthopedic care performed by orthopedic surgeons or podiatrists who specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with serious conditions or injuries of the foot and ankle. As one of the most complex parts of the bodys musculoskeletal system, the foot and ankle is comprised of numerous bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, which is why injuries to these structures can cause considerable and chronic pain, as well as instability and difficulty bearing weight, walking, and living an independent and active life.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our foot and ankle surgeons are among the top in their field, and leverage their expertise with state-of-the art facilities, advanced technology and techniques, and the experience of specialized nurses, technicians, physical therapists, and sports medicine doctors solely dedicated to orthopedic health when treating patients. Through a comprehensive and patient-specific approach to health care, we are able to effectively treat a range of foot and ankle conditions using surgical treatments, including minimally invasive techniques.
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Foot And Ankle Specialists At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute
Our Foot and Ankle Specialty Department is home to one of the most qualified and exceptionally skilled teams of physicians in orthopaedic medicine. Included in our team are nine foot and ankle surgeons, each with diverse areas of expertise.
Foot and Ankle Surgeons:
Many patients are unfamiliar with musculoskeletal podiatry. This specialized field of orthopaedic medicine is specifically aimed at treating issues that affect the structure and function of the bones, muscles, and connective tissues of the feet. Musculoskeletal podiatrists perform gait analysis and physical examinations and may prescribe treatments such as steroidal injections, stretches and physical therapy, orthotic interventions, preventive care plans, and more.
Would your condition be better treated by an orthopaedic surgeon or a musculoskeletal podiatry specialist? This question can only be answered by visiting a foot and ankle specialist for a diagnostic examination.
At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, patients have access to both the best foot & ankle surgeons and the most qualified musculoskeletal podiatry specialists.
Schedule an Appointment With the Best Ankle Surgeons
Are you ready to step forward on the road to recovery? We can help.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute with one of the best ankle surgeons in orthopaedic medicine, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.
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Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons have the training and expertise to keep your feet healthy and pain free.
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The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society offers information on this site as an educational service. The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatments. If you need medical advice, use the “Find a Surgeon ” search to locate a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon in your area.
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