Bunion surgery podiatrist or Orthopedic surg?

Wricardos · ‎03-26-2010

I need advise from some intelligent forms of life that has had bunion surgeries. I have gone to a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon, both seem to have the same approach to my two bunions. Same foot. I can’t decide which Dr. to do the fusion. Any advise is appreciated.

Tucker

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

JMO, if insurance is going to cover it I would go with the orthopedic surgeon.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

Both providers are fully qualified to do this type of surgery. I would guess that the podiatrist does this surgery more often than the ortho surgeon.

It's a decision only you can make. When I had foot surgery, I went with the podiatrist. I liked him better and his bedside manner was surperb. I didn't have to wait very long in his waiting room and he had more time to spend with me during office visits.

It was a good choice for me.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

I would have a consult with a podiatrist and also an ortho surgeon who specializes in feet.

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

Google this question. There are many articles about this exact topic. Ask your primary doctor what he/she thinks. Maybe you can get some insight from them.

dex · ‎03-09-2010

@Wricardos @Can you research the docs online to see if they have been reviewed?I like to read the reviews to help along my decisions.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

Depends on many factors.

For me it would be my podiatrist. After using many, not great podiatrists, Dr. D. is fabulous! Feet are his business and he knows it well.

I think my Ortho is less of a foot specialist and has done fewer bunion surgeries.

Wricardos · ‎03-26-2010

t@Shelbelle wrote:
I would have a consult with a podiatrist and also an ortho surgeon who specializes in feet.

the Orthopedic surgeon that I went to specializes in foot and ankle. The podiatrist can do the surgery in my local small hospital while the Orthopedic Dr. I need to go to a larger hospital. I’m not sure if that would make a difference if anything went wrong with blood pressure etc.

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

@Janey2 wrote:
Google this question. There are many articles about this exact topic. Ask your primary doctor what he/she thinks. Maybe you can get some insight from them.

It seems our PCP always "prefers" the specialist that's in his/her group.

Memebell · ‎08-30-2011

I have difficult feet to work with and had a bone spur removed a couple of years ago. My doctor referred meto an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the foot and ankle. That was the right choice for me, but I would definitely talk to a doctor you trust the most to give you a specific referral to who they think is the best in dealing with the foot.