Who to See for Foot and Ankle Care?

Did you know that your foot makes up nearly 25% of all the bones in your body? Consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons, your foot is one of the most intricate parts of your skeletal system.

A common concern for people with foot issues is whether they should see an orthopedic foot specialist or a podiatrist. Both professionals specialize in foot and ankle care, but certain issues may require more intensive care from each of the professions.

Orthopaedics is a specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases. After orthopedic residency training, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons complete an additional year of training for advanced foot and ankle reconstruction.

An Orthopaedist has been trained to operate and treat the whole musculoskeletal system. They are able to fully evaluate your entire lower extremity area. Additionally many foot and ankle physicians also treat other lower region issues like knees and hips so there is continuity of care with your surgeon.

At North Oaks Orthopedic Specialty Center, orthopedic foot and ankle specialist Dr. Patrick Barousse treats the common conditions listed below:

• Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis
• Broken bones, stress fractures and sprains
• Osteoarthritis
• Ligament tears
• Lisfranc injury (midfoot injury to ligaments and bones)
• Metatarsalgia foot pain (ball of your foot)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Plantar fibroma and fibromatosis (benign nodules on the bottom of your foot)
• Chronic wounds associated with diabetes or other illnesses
• Deformities of the feet (bunions, hammertoes)
• Fallen arches
• Sports injuries
• Heel pain, bone spurs and neuromas
• Arthritis, instability, pain and joint diseases

Dr. Barousse believes that all patients are different and require a plan specific to their individual health needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Barousse, visit www.northoaks.org/foot.