What is a foot and ankle surgeon?

Foot and ankle surgeons are the surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) members are graduates of accredited U.S. podiatric medical schools, who have completed surgical residency programs of up to three years.

Fellows of the College are certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, the surgical board for foot and ankle surgery recognized by the Joint Committee on the Recognition of Specialty Boards. Many have additional fellowship training in various aspects of foot and ankle surgery. All ACFAS members are dedicated to surgical excellence in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders.

What do foot and ankle surgeons treat?

Foot and ankle surgeons treat a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions:

• Structural conditions
• Trauma related injuries
• Skin and nail conditions
• Congenital deformities

Foot and ankle surgeons are uniquely qualified to detect the early stages of diseases that exhibit warning signs in the lower extremities, as well as manage those foot conditions which can pose an ongoing threat to a patient's overall health. Such illnesses include diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.