Key Takeaways
- Both podiatric foot and ankle surgeons and orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons are trained to treat ankle problems, including with surgery.
- Podiatric surgeons earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and focus on the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg from the start of their training.
- Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors, either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), who train in orthopedic surgery for the whole body, then complete extra training in foot and ankle care.
- The best choice depends on your condition, the surgeon's experience with your specific problem, and how comfortable you feel with your care team.
- Paragon Podiatry is an expert provider of foot and ankle care in the Bronx, Manhattan, and East Setauket, so request an appointment to have a podiatrist evaluate your ankle and explain your options.
Two Paths to Becoming an Ankle Surgeon
If you need ankle surgery, you may see two kinds of specialists: podiatric foot and ankle surgeons and orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons. Both can diagnose ankle problems, offer nonsurgical treatment, and perform surgery. The main difference is how they train.
What Is a Podiatric Ankle Surgeon?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM). According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) guide to podiatrists, podiatrists complete:
- Four years of undergraduate (college) education.
- Four years of podiatric medical school.
- Three years of hospital-based surgical residency training.
APMA adds that podiatrists often go on to complete fellowship (extra specialty) training after residency. Podiatrists treat the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Some focus on areas like surgery, sports medicine, wound care, or diabetic care.
Board Certification for Podiatric Surgeons
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons describes foot and ankle surgeons as the surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. Its guide to what a foot and ankle surgeon is explains that certification by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) includes:
- An approved residency.
- Four years of postdoctoral clinical experience.
- A required number of surgeries.
- A two-part certification exam.
What Is an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). They treat bones, joints, and muscles throughout the body. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society's page on what a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon is, these surgeons complete:
- Four years of medical school.
- Five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery.
- One to two years of advanced training in foot and ankle care.
They also pass national boards for certification. Because their training covers the whole body, they can address foot and ankle problems as part of your overall health.
Podiatric Surgeon vs. Orthopedic Surgeon: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon | Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) | Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) |
| Medical school | Four years of podiatric medical school | Four years of medical school |
| Residency | Three years of hospital-based surgical residency | Five years of orthopedic surgery residency |
| Extra training | Often a fellowship after residency | One to two years of advanced foot and ankle training |
| Area of focus | Foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg | Whole body, with extra training in the foot and ankle |
| Board certification | Available through ABFAS after training, experience, and exams | National board certification after training |
Which Ankle Surgeon Should You Choose?
There is no single right answer for everyone. Both types of surgeons can provide excellent care. Instead of focusing only on the title, think about these questions:
- What is my diagnosis? Some problems, such as an ankle that keeps giving way, are treated often by both specialties.
- How much experience does this surgeon have with my exact problem? Ask how often they treat your condition and perform the procedure they recommend.
- Is the surgeon board certified? Ask which board certifies them.
- Will they try nonsurgical care first when it makes sense? Many ankle problems improve without surgery.
- Is the office easy for me to reach? Recovery means several follow-up visits, so location matters.
- Do I feel heard? You should feel comfortable asking questions about risks, recovery, and other options.
When Your Health Needs Go Beyond the Ankle
If you have other health problems that affect your bones or joints in other parts of the body, your care may involve several doctors working together. Your primary care doctor can help guide referrals.
Ankle Care at Paragon Podiatry
Paragon Podiatry's team of podiatrists are all doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) who focus on the foot and ankle. The practice treats common ankle conditions, including:
- Chronic ankle instability.
- Achilles tendonitis.
- Ankle sprains.
- Ankle arthritis.
Treatment often starts with conservative options like strengthening exercises, bracing, and rehabilitation. When surgery is needed, Paragon Podiatry specializes in minimally invasive surgery, including procedures to repair ligaments and restore stability in unstable ankles. The practice also offers surgical repair for severe ankle sprains.
If you are looking for an ankle surgeon near you, Paragon's podiatrists can evaluate whether surgery is right for you and explain each step. Learn more about the ankle conditions Paragon Podiatry treats and ankle surgery at Paragon Podiatry.
Get an Expert Opinion on Your Ankle From Paragon Podiatry
Podiatric and orthopedic surgeons both train to care for ankles, so the right choice comes down to your condition, the surgeon's experience, and your comfort. Paragon Podiatry's podiatrists can examine your ankle, explain your options, and help you decide on next steps. The practice also offers second opinions.
Request an appointment with Paragon Podiatry in the Bronx, Manhattan, or East Setauket to learn whether ankle surgery at Paragon Podiatry is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a podiatrist perform ankle surgery?
Yes. Podiatrists complete three years of hospital-based surgical residency training after podiatric medical school, and podiatric foot and ankle surgeons treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. What a podiatrist can do may depend on state law and the hospital or surgery center where they work.
What is the difference between a DPM and an MD?
A DPM is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who trains in podiatric medical school with a focus on the foot, ankle, and lower leg. An MD is a Doctor of Medicine who trains in general medical school and then chooses a specialty, such as orthopedic surgery.
Should I see a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon for an ankle sprain?
Either can treat an ankle sprain. Many people start with a podiatrist for foot and ankle injuries. Paragon Podiatry treats ankle sprains with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), rehabilitation, and surgical repair for severe cases.
How do I find a good ankle surgeon near me?
Look for a surgeon who treats your specific condition often, explains your options clearly, and has an office you can reach easily. Paragon Podiatry has offices in the Bronx, Manhattan, and East Setauket.
Can I get a second opinion before ankle surgery?
Yes. Getting a second opinion is common before surgery. Paragon Podiatry offers second opinions to help you make an informed decision.
