Our feet and ankles play a vital role in maintaining our mobility and overall well-being. They enable us to perform all our daily activities, from walking and running to dancing and playing sports. However, when foot and ankle problems arise, seeking the expertise of a skilled and experienced foot and ankle surgeon becomes necessary.
A foot and ankle surgeon or podiatrist is a medical professional who receivesextensive training in podiatric medicine and focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions and injuries related to the foot and ankle.
If you are suffering from any foot or ankle conditions or injury and are looking for a good foot and ankle surgeon, this article will help you in finding the right foot and ankle surgeon for your needs.
Understand the Types of Foot and Ankle Replacements Available
Mild to moderate foot and ankle conditions can be treated by non-surgical treatment options but severe foot and ankle conditions may need a repair surgery or joint replacement surgery. Here, we’ll explore different types of ankle replacements available.
- The Agility Ankle – This type of replacement has a tibial and talar component made of metal and plastic. This design was approved by the FDA in 2002.
- The INBONE Total Ankle–This type of replacement has a tibial component made of high-strength polyethylene while the talar component is made of cobalt and chrome.
- Eclipse Total Ankle Replacement–This design has an upper tibial component and a fixed polyethylene surface.
Finding a Surgeon with Experience in Joint Replacement Surgery
Here are some tips that will help you in your research for an ankle replacement surgeon.
Ask Around for Recommendations and Referrals
Start your research by asking your family members, friends, and co-workers about an ankle replacement surgeon.They may know a trustworthy surgeon who has extensive experience in ankle arthroplasty or who they may have visited for the treatment of their foot and ankle condition.
You can also ask your primary care doctor for referrals to a podiatrist who is an expert in foot and ankle replacement surgery.
Check The Experience and Credentials
Choose a foot and ankle surgeon who is highly qualified, trained, and extensively experienced in offering surgical and nonsurgical treatments for foot and ankle conditions. Also, check their board certification as board certification ensures that surgeon has expertise in the field of podiatric medicine.
Read Online Patient Reviews
Read online patient reviews and feedback about the ankle replacement surgeon you are considering. These reviews will provide you with knowledge about the ankle doctor’s reputation, communication style, and the practice’s environment.
Check Availability and Convenience
An ankle replacement surgeon who has an office located conveniently near your home or office and has flexible working hours is the most suitable for you to get treatmentfor your foot or ankle issue.
Consider Cost and Insurance Coverage
Cost and insurance coverage are practical matters when getting treatment and healthcare services. It is recommended to choose an ankle replacement surgeon or podiatrist who is within your insurance network to pay the least out of pocket and to reduce your financial costs.
Contact your insurance provider and ask them to provide you with a list of podiatrists within your insurance network and choose the one from the list after doing some background checks.
Ankle Replacement Surgeon in Warwick & Middletown, RI, and Fall River, MA
If you have a severe ankle or foot problem and you are finding an ankle replacement surgeon, visit us at the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England. We have board-certified foot and ankle surgeons who are experts in providing both non-surgical and surgical treatments of foot and ankle conditions,including foot and ankle repair surgeries and joint replacement surgeries.
We also provide treatments for sports injuries, diabetic foot care, and pediatric foot care so that you can live your life to the fullest.
To make a consultation and appointment with one of our surgeons, call us at our Warwick office at (401) 738-7750 and our Middletown office at (401) 217-4444 or our Fall River clinic at (508) 679-3700. You can also make an appointment or schedule a consultation through our online appointment form.
