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Surgeon or Podiatrist?

Posted , 4 users are following.

de33232
de33232

I can have surgery done by a podiatrist but everyone I speak to (including the podiatrist who keeps my feet clear of hard skin, corns etc) says to go for a surgeon. I have bunions and arthritis in big toe joint which the podiatrist is suggesting I might need pinned especially as the steroid injection doesn't seem to  have made that much difference.My GP said he would refer me to a surgeon but the referral came back to the podiatrist I am already seeing. Advantages or disadvantages?

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Lynn7777
    Lynn7777 de33232

    Posted

    When I had both feet done in February, I wondered the same thing.  Everyone said to go with the surgeon and I'm so glad I did.  They generally have more experience...the surgeon I chose did about almost 100 bunion surgeries a year.  Ask around for some references and interview them.  I made up a list of questions so I would know what to expect.  I'm in the US, so I don't know what your system allows.
  • susie66
    susie66 de33232

    Posted

    Surely a surgeon?  My podiatrist did not seem to think there was any other option!
  • gillian14549
    gillian14549 de33232

    Posted

    Good morning De.

    I think you know what the answer is before I say anything.

    Surgeon.

    You mantion you have additional issues with arthritis so a surgeon is the clear and obvious choice.

    I live in West Yorkshire, UK and had my surgery on the NHS at Bradford Royal Infirmary November 2013. My consultant ius a specialist ankleand foot surgeon and I ave nothing but the hghest priase for him.

    From the initial consultation - which was detailed, precise and totally honest - to the follow up appointments at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months, right upto my last appointment on 28 July to discuss surgery on my other foot, I have felt nothing less than secure in the care of this surgeon.

    So, forget the podiatrist. Go for a consultat specialist surgeon.

    Gillian

  • MacG
    MacG de33232

    Posted

    I would never consider a podiatrist doing bunion surgery:  the foot  is very complex and I would only have a specialist foot & ankle surgeon operating on my feet. I did a lot,of research into the MIS method and my foot is as good as new with no problems. The post-op exercises are most important too. Hope this helps.
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