A foot surgeon in Racine, WI, often called a foot and ankle surgeon, is a specialist doctor who deals with problems of the feet, ankles and lower legs. The foot surgeon can be called upon to perform reconstructive surgery as well as undertake certain procedures to correct birth defects that affect this area of the anatomy.
The profession of podiatry consists of doctors who have graduated from podiatric medical colleges after completing their undergraduate studies. A podiatric college is a specialized med school that focuses on providing in depth training to students so they can manage conditions involving the feet and ankles. Once medical school has been completed it is necessary to undertake a surgical residency that can last three to four years.
Although some surgical procedures that can take place on the feet and ankles can be undertaken by other doctors such as plastic surgeons or orthopedic surgeons, a foot surgeon in Racine, WI can offer focused care and treatment, using the most modern equipment available and with full knowledge of the latest information and procedures. During their years of schooling and training a foot surgeon has studied this area of the human anatomy extensively and as a result of their intimacy with the subject area they can more readily identify the specific needs of the patient. A specialist foot surgeon can quickly recognize any outward signs of possible complications and provide a unique level of surgical service not available from other physicians.
When it is apparent that a patient needs surgical intervention on their feet or ankles a foot surgeon is called upon to undertake the task. It is not always necessary for a patient to wait for a referral from his or her general practitioner; they are quite free to make an independent appointment. A person with a bunion for example can deal directly with a podiatrist and have this painful condition corrected. During the initial consultation with the foot surgeon in Racine, WI the surgeon will spend time discussing the medical history of the patient, may take X-Rays at this time and offer the patient a course of treatment most suitable for the condition.
As well as conducting surgery on the feet and ankles the foot surgeon can be part of a care team, helping the patient deal with an ongoing condition. The surgeon may recommend for example that the patient wear a special shoe or wear shoe inserts which will promote healing post-operation.
