Foot and Ankle Surgeon Agoura Hills, CA (2024)

FAQs

What kind of surgeon is best for ankle surgery? ›

“Because some foot and ankle problems originate from your knee, hip or lower back, orthopaedic surgeons will treat complex lower extremity conditions in conjunction with the rest of your body,” says John Kwon, MD, Chief of BIDMC's Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

This depends on the particular issue you have. Both professionals are qualified to treat foot, ankle, and heel problems, surgically or otherwise, but a podiatrist is especially qualified to treat these particular problems. If your problem falls into one of those three categories, then go see a podiatrist.

A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon performs complex surgical procedures, not performed by a podiatrist. There can be some overlap in what a podiatrist treats and what an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist treats such as the simpler conditions of sprains and strains.

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.

Total ankle replacements, or ankle arthroplasty, are usually effective. A 2023 review of past research suggests that the vast majority of ankle replacements are successful, with implants having a survivorship rate of 88.3% after 9 years.

Complications of foot and ankle surgery can include infections, swelling and stiffness, and wound haematoma (bleeding). If you're generally healthy the risk of a serious complication from an operation is very small. Every possible care is taken to prevent complications, but in a few cases these do happen.

As a general rule, if foot pain is your only issue, a podiatrist is a great choice. If you have pain all throughout your body, such as the neck and back, you should see an orthopedic doctor. If you can find a doctor that is trained in both orthopedics and podiatry, that is much better in the long run.

Other foot problems

When more conservative treatments don't eliminate pain and mobility limitations, your doctor assesses surgical options, which are quite successful.

The truth is that foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons have the most comprehensive training available for nonsurgical treatment options and have the highest level of qualifications to diagnose the root cause of any foot or ankle problem.

What is a leg doctor called? ›

An orthopedist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect the bones and soft tissues. Seeking treatment from an orthopedist can help you avoid complications down the road.

Orthopedists, often mistakenly referred to as orthopedic doctors, specialize in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic surgeons also diagnose, treat and prevent musculoskeletal problems, but they can perform surgery when necessary as well.

Dr. Alan MacGill, Named One of U.S.'s Top Foot & Ankle Surgeons in 2020 by BECKER'S - Spine & Orthopedic Center.

Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care. Conversely, orthopedists cater to general musculoskeletal problems. Although an orthopedist technically has studied foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist specializes in them. This specialization allows a podiatrist to better address issues unique to your foot and ankle.

Ankle replacement (total ankle arthroplasty) is major surgery to reduce ankle pain. A surgeon removes the lower part of the shin bone (tibia) and top of the highest bone on the foot (talus).

What are the risks of ankle surgery? Ankle surgery may cause complications, including: Bleeding and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). Damage to nerves or blood vessels in the ankle.

By six months post-op, most patients are about 75 percent recovered from their surgery and are starting to resume normal physical activities. Full recovery can take up to a year, but you should be feeling significant improvement, maybe even long stretches of time with little to no pain.

An orthopedic surgeon will perform your ankle replacement, helped by a team of specialized healthcare providers.