Foot and Ankle Surgeons Address a Wide Range of Problems

The adult foot and ankle surgery division of the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedic Surgery provides evaluation and treatment for patients with traumatic, occupational and athletic injuries, rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis, acquired and congenital deformities, neuromuscular diseases, and foot problems associated with diabetes.

Two orthopaedic surgeons and one specially trained family medicine physician in the division provide complete treatments of common and complex foot and ankle problems, including arthritis, bunions, congenital disorders, diabetic foot problems, problems following injuries, as well as problems with corns and calluses.

"Foot and ankle surgery is a sub-specialty within orthopedic surgery," said Jeffrey P. Schwab, MD, Medical College Professor and Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery. "It should not be confused with being a podiatrist. Foot and ankle surgeons are people who went to medical school, did an orthopedic residency and understand the entire musculoskeletal system."

Patients receive quality care through a team approach used by those well-trained specialists, Dr. Schwab said. The staff includes surgeons specializing in adult reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, adult neuromuscular foot disorders, and additional specialists in foot trauma, sports medicine, and microsurgical reconstruction.

Outpatient Clinics at Froedtert Hospital
During a clinic visit, each patient has immediate access to a physical therapist and a registered nurse trained in skin and nail care. Additional consultations with rheumatology, vascular surgery, neurology, pain management, and other sub-specialists can be obtained readily within the Froedtert and The Medical College complex, Dr. Schwab noted.

"The foot and ankle surgeons see patients a total of four days a week," said Dr. Schwab. "Every foot and ankle clinic also has what's called a 'pedorthist', which is someone who is certified to make shoe inserts after first evaluating patients during their visit." The division also holds outpatient foot clinics at Froedtert Hospital.

Ankle replacements are emerging as an issue that foot and ankle clinic visitors should learn more about if they haven't already done so, said Dr. Schwab. "The biggest change being evaluated across the country is a resurgence of total ankle replacements, much like we replace hips and knees," he said. "It's in the area of being an acceptable treatment but still really being evaluated for long-term usefulness.

"People will read about it and they'll be told about it. I think they need to understand that it is a viable alternative for patients, but they need to consult a knowledgeable foot and ankle surgeon about the risks and benefits and the long-term results of these replacements."

MCW Health News presents up-to-date information on patient care and medical research by the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.