5 Reasons to Choose an Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Did you know the foot contains 26 bones and 33 joints? It's plain to see that although they're small, the foot and ankle are complex parts of the body.

Orthopedic foot & ankle specialists treat even the most complex foot and ankle problems and serve as a reliable source when surgery is recommended. 

Why to Choose an Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Several years ago, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society launched a campaign to remind patients to look for the “O” when searching for a foot & ankle care provider. The “O” stands for orthopedic surgeon.

Here are 5 reasons why to look for an orthopedic foot & ankle surgeon.

1. We are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathy (DOs). We have expertise in whole-body health and treat the foot and ankle in the context of the whole body.
2. Foot & ankle orthopedic surgeons have a minimum of 14 years of training after high school.  After college, this training involves medical school, residency, and a foot & ankle fellowship. The foot & ankle fellowship is an extra year of training dedicated to the management of foot & ankle care.
3. Foot & ankle surgeons are dedicated to lifelong learning. We complete continuing medical education each year to better serve our patients and to provide them with the best, most current treatment options available.
4. We treat patients of all ages. We understand developmental problems in children and problems that occur as we age. No matter what foot or ankle problem you’re facing, the orthopedic surgeon is the best person to provide that care.
5. Many people think that orthopedic surgeons only conduct surgery. On the contrary, we take care of all foot & ankle issues and provide both operative and non-operative treatments.

WHen TO See AN ORTHOPEDIC FOOT & ANKLE SURGEON

You may wonder, “When is it appropriate to see an orthopedic foot & ankle surgeon?” Here are 9 of the most common reasons why patients see me.

1. Pain that occurs for more than a few days or pain that is worsening
2. Pain after an ankle sprain
3. Mechanical symptoms in the ankle (popping, catching or clicking)
4.  High arches or flat feet that become painful
5. Arthritis of the foot or ankle
6. Achilles tendonitis
7. Any foot and ankle fracture
8. Bunions, curling or any deformity of the toes
9. Deformities of the foot or ankle

When seeking orthopedic care for your foot and ankle problems, look for a fellowship-trained specialist. Orthopedic surgeons understand the relationship the feet and ankles have to the rest of the body. This expertise allows us to help prevent and/or treat orthopedic issues that may arise from foot or ankle abnormalities.

At OrthoCarolina, you do not need a referral to see an orthopedic foot & ankle specialist. Make an appointment with Dr. Scott Biggerstaff or another of our foot & ankle surgeons today.

Scott Biggerstaff, MD, is a fellowship-trained foot & ankle surgeon at OrthoCarolina Kernersville and Winston-Salem. He specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of bunions, hammertoes and other foot and ankle deformities.