What Type of Doctor Is Best for Foot Surgery?

Rest, medication, physiotherapy or footwear changes can be used to manage foot pain. When a foot condition becomes severe, or if it does not improve after conservative treatment, surgery may become necessary.

One of the most frequently asked questions by patients is: Which type of doctor should I choose for foot surgery?

Answers vary depending on the foot problem, complexity of surgery and specialist area of training. In some cases, a orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon with special experience may provide surgical care.

Understanding the various specialists involved in foot surgeries in Perth can help you to make an informed decision regarding your treatment.

Who performs foot surgery?

Foot surgery is not only performed by one type of healthcare professional. Depending on their training, qualifications and scope of practice, different specialists may treat various conditions.

Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are the best choice for complex surgical issues. Orthopaedic doctors are trained surgeons who can diagnose and treat conditions of the musculoskeletal systems.

Some podiatrists have additional surgical training that allows them to perform specific foot procedures in their scope of practice.

It is not just the title of the profession that matters. It is important to have experience with the procedure and your specific foot condition.

What is an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon?

Orthopaedic surgery is the specialty of musculoskeletal surgeons. This includes conditions that affect the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and other structures.

An orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon is more knowledgeable about conditions that affect this part of the human body. They can treat:

• Breaking bones and fractures
• Arthritis
• Severe bunions
• Joint problems
• Tendon injuries
• Ligament injuries
• Deformities
• Sports injuries
• Nerve problems
• Foot and ankle disorders

An orthopaedic foot surgeon will assess your condition and discuss the surgical and non-surgical alternatives with you. They can also determine if an operation is necessary.

Can a podiatrist perform foot surgery?

This is often a source of confusion.

Not all podiatrists perform surgery. Podiatrists are generally specialists in conditions of the lower limbs and feet. However, their scope of practice is determined by their training, qualifications, and registration.

Some podiatrists pursue postgraduate surgical training and education in foot surgery.

If you’re considering having surgery performed by a podiatrist it’s reasonable to inquire about their experience, qualifications and frequency of the procedure.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or Ahpra, regulates all registered health practitioners and podiatrists in Australia. The public register allows patients to verify a practitioner’s status of registration and other relevant information.

When might foot surgery be recommended?

When other treatments fail to improve your condition or haven’t been effective, surgery may be considered.

Surgery may be recommended in certain situations, such as:

Bunions

A bunion is an abnormality of the joint in the big toe. Mild bunions may be treated with orthotics, footwear modifications and other conservative measures.

Surgery may be recommended if a bunion is painful, worsens over time, or interferes in everyday activities.

Severe Arthritis

The joints of the ankle or foot can become stiff and painful due to arthritis. When symptoms are severe and non-surgical treatments no longer work, surgical options may be considered.

Fractures

Some foot fractures heal well with non-surgical treatments and immobilisation. However, complex, displaced or unstable fractures can require surgical treatment.

Tendon or Ligament problems

Surgery may be required for certain serious tendon and ligament injuries, especially when there is structural damage or when the conservative treatment does not work.

Deformities

The deformity can cause pain or make it difficult to walk. When the deformity is severe and significantly impacts function, surgery may be recommended.

Foot Surgery: Is it always the first option?

No.

Before recommending surgery, a specialist will usually consider non-surgical treatments that could solve the problem.

Treatment may include the following:

• Changes in footwear
• Activity Modification
• Physiotherapy
• Exercises
• Orthotics
• Medication
• Bracing or immobilisation
• Injections under appropriate circumstances
• Weight Management where Relevant
• Other conservative treatments

The diagnosis will determine the appropriate treatment.

Surgery is not the only solution to all foot problems. Before deciding on whether or not an operation is needed, it is important to make a proper assessment.

How is the right foot surgeon selected?

The process of choosing a surgeon plays a significant role. Before making a choice, you may want to take into consideration several factors.

Experience Your Condition

A surgeon who performs the procedure regularly may have more experience than someone who only occasionally does it.

You can also ask how often the procedure is performed and if there are any alternatives.

Qualifications and Registration

Verify the qualifications of the practitioner and their professional registration. The Ahpra public registry allows you to check the registered health practitioners in Australia.

Understanding the Procedure

Your surgeon should explain the procedure, why it was recommended and what to expect during recovery.

Risques Potentials

Each surgical procedure has its own risks. The risks vary according to the surgical procedure and the patient’s circumstances.

Before surgery, a specialist should explain possible complications, benefits expected and other treatment options.

Recovery Time

Recovery times can differ greatly between foot procedures. Some foot procedures allow for early weight bearing, while others may require limited activity or immobilisation.

Ask your doctor how long you will need to be off work and driving, as well as when you can resume exercise or sports.

What Questions Should You Ask Prior to Foot Surgery?

Ask yourself these questions before you agree to surgery:

• What is the exact cause of my foot pain?
• Is surgery required?
• What non-surgical treatment could I try first?
• What kind of surgery would you recommend?
• How often should you perform this procedure?
• What are the possible risks?
• How long will it take for the recovery to be complete?
• When can I walk normally again?
• Do I need crutches?
• When can I resume work?
• What happens if surgery doesn’t resolve the issue?

You should not feel pressured into making a decision if you have a good consultation.

Find Foot Surgery in Perth

You can start your search for Foot Surgery in Perth by identifying what type of condition you’re dealing with and then finding a specialist who has the appropriate experience.

You may be referred, depending on the diagnosis, to a podiatric or orthopaedic surgeon.

You can also ask your GP, podiatrist, or another healthcare professional to help you determine the type of specialist that is best for your condition.

Remember that surgery is just one component of the treatment. The recovery of your injury can be affected by the correct diagnosis, post-operative rehab and preparation.

Final Thoughts

What type of foot surgeon is the best?

There is not a single solution for each patient. Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons have been trained to manage a variety of complex musculoskeletal foot and ankle conditions surgically. qualified podiatrists may also possess advanced surgical training, and perform certain foot procedures as part of their professional scope.

The best specialist for you will depend on your diagnosis, type of surgery and practitioner’s experience and qualifications.

Before making a final decision, ask your specialist for information about the risks, benefits and recovery time of foot surgeon in Perth. The first step in choosing the best treatment for your foot issue is to conduct a thorough assessment.