What is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon?
A foot and ankle surgeon is a doctor who specializes in both conservative and surgical management of foot and ankle problems
Worldwide, most Foot and Ankle conditions are managed by Fellowship trained Orthopedic surgeons. In the US, these conditions are treated by both Orthopaedic surgeons and Podiatrists.
However
Not all Foot and ankle surgeons have the same level of training and expertise to manage complex foot and ankle issues. It is important that patients find out all they can about their doctor to ensure they receive the care they deserve to resolve their condition.
Do I see a Podiatrist or an Orthopedic Surgeon?
A patient must determine what conditions their doctor treats and should ask about their experience and outcomes. For example, many Orthopedic surgeons do not manage callosities, toenail problems or diabetic foot ulcers. Conversely, many podiatrists do not perform formal surgical procedures.
Traditionally, when non-operative treatment failed, only Orthopedic Surgeons performed complex deformity corrections, or treated conditions involving the hindfoot and ankle. While this is still the case in most countries internationally, here in the US, there is overlap in foot and ankle care with Podiatric specialists. Podiatric education is evolving, but there remain important and significant differences in training and scope of practice compared with Orthopedic Foot and Ankle surgeons.
On completion of 4 years of Medical School (MD or DO), Orthopedic surgeons enter possibly the most competitive medical speciality for 5 years of dedicated Orthopedic training. Expertise is developed in all areas of the musculoskeletal system including spine, hip, knee, sports injuries, and complex trauma management. While subspecialty Fellowship training helps focus a surgeons skill set to one anatomic region, knowledge of all areas is vital to ensure optimal patient care. For example, a subluxing kneecap may be related to a flat foot, tibial torsion or abnormal femoral alignment. Nerve pain in the foot may be due to a local problem such as a foot neuroma, but it is imperative that spinal problems or underlying systemic disorders are considered. Formal medical education ensures an Orthopedic surgeon has an in depth understanding of the pathologic basis of all diseases as many systemic conditions may present as an initial foot or ankle issue that will require additional medical specialist care. Considering only the foot and ankle could result in delayed or even incorrect treatment for the patient.
Podiatric training involves 4 years of podiatric medical school (DPM) followed by 3 years residency focused only on the foot and ankle. Some but not all will complete additional hindfoot and ankle training, and many will opt to remain as non-surgical specialists. State guidelines vary as to the scope of practice of Podiatric specialists; for example, in Connecticut only Orthopedic surgeons are allowed to perform Total Ankle Replacement surgery. This is an important consideration when seeking a surgeon for treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis.
Ultimately, the patient needs to evaluate the expertise of their Foot and Ankle specialist. They must be comfortable with their doctor: the patient-doctor relationship itself is vital in achieving a successful outcome. Dr Walls strongly recommends patients research the training of their surgeon before undergoing ANY procedure - EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE MATTERS!
Why Should I see Dr Walls?
As an Orthopedic MD with subspecialty training of Foot and Ankle surgery, Dr Walls has the medical expertise you need to achieve a successful outcome. However surgery is always the last resort, and Dr Walls will NEVER recommend surgery unless all other options have been exhausted.
Dr Walls is at the forefront in the emerging field of regenerative orthopedics. When indicated, he may recommend Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy augmentation as an option to either avoid surgery or enhance surgical outcome. Recognition that this treatment is not suitable for all conditions is paramount, and Dr Walls recommends patients consider treatment in academic centers where strict policies ensure evidence based medicine and best practice guidelines are adhered to.
There are not many physicians who can claim to being a World champion - Dr Walls can! A twice World champion Irish dancer and lead performer in Riverdance gives Dr Walls a unique understanding of the elite athlete and dancer. The need to return to play is crucial for everyone and Dr Walls utilizes the most cutting edge technology to achieve this.
If you are an elite athlete or dancer and want to see a Foot and Ankle specialist who will have an intrinsic understanding of your problem then look no further. Dr Walls has successfully returned national and international dancers, gymnasts and athletes back to the top of their game. In many cases, he was able to perform surgeries using minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques with biologic augmentation to enhance recovery.
Dr Walls has particular expertise in the treatment of the most challenging and difficult conditions. As Assistant Professor of Orthopedic surgery at Yale, he is often referred patients who have failed initial management by their primary surgeon. A thoughtful approach is required to relieve pain and restore function. Comprehensive medical training allows Dr Walls to consider all potential medical diagnoses and will ensure his patients have the treatment they require and deserve.
Where previously an ankle fusion was the only option for crippling ankle arthritis, Dr Walls can offer his patients a total ankle replacement. He utilizes 4th generation ankle replacement technology with patient specific guides which provide more accurate implant alignment, smaller incisions and shorter operative times. All important factors to achieve the best outcomes possible for his patients.
