Podiatry

Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in a medical field known as podiatry or podiatric medicine. Sometimes referred to as podiatric doctors, podiatrists diagnose and treat patients with injuries and conditions relating to the lower extremity, including the foot and ankle.

At Orthopaedic Associates, our podiatrists, Dr. Thomas Fusco and Dr. Robert White, are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle injuries and conditions. Our podiatrists have extensive training and experience in podiatric medicine and are dedicated to providing you with the specialized, compassionate podiatric care you need to become stronger.

Expert Podiatric Care for a Stronger You

Our podiatrists know that each patient is unique. That's why during an exam, our podiatrists will ask the patient details about their foot or ankle problem as well as about their goals and needs. Once they determine the diagnosis, our podiatrists will create an individualized treatment plan specific to the patient’s needs.

When our podiatrists develop a treatment plan for a patient with a foot or ankle problem, their first step is always to consider nonsurgical treatment options first. Sometimes, there are nonoperative treatments, such as diabetic foot care, physical therapy, or orthotics, that can provide relief for a patient’s ankle or foot injury or condition. However, sometimes the patient’s podiatric issue has become so problematic that surgery is the best choice.

If surgery is the best option for you, our podiatric surgeons will work with you to create a surgical treatment plan that is right for your injury or condition. Our podiatrists are equipped with state-of-the-art technology as well as the knowledge and surgical skills needed to treat your ankle or foot problem and get you on the road to becoming stronger.

Having undergone extensive training, our podiatrists are highly skilled and considered experts in the following surgeries and treatments:

  • Bunion correction surgery
  • Charcot reconstruction
  • Flatfoot repair
  • Hammertoe correction surgery
  • Ingrown toenail removal

Signs You May Have an Ankle or Foot Injury

Common signs and symptoms you may be experiencing if you have an ankle- or foot-related problem include:

  • Ankle pain radiating into the foot
  • Bump on the side of your big toe
  • Calf pain
  • Cramping
  • Difficulty moving your toe
  • Heel pain
  • Limping
  • Low or no arch on the bottom of your foot
  • Numbness in the feet and toes
  • Pain in the ball of the foot
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Toe is contracting
  • Toenail is growing into the skin on the side of your toe

If you are experiencing any of the above for more than a few days or if any of them are getting worse, make an appointment to see a podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist. The podiatrist or doctor may diagnose you with one of the following injuries or conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Bunion
  • Corn or callus
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Flat feet
  • Fracture
  • Gout
  • Hammertoe
  • Ingrown toenail
  • Mallet toe
  • Morton's neuroma
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Plantar wart
  • Sprain
  • Stress fracture

Orthopaedic Associates: The Strength of Experience

At Orthopaedic Associates, we are regional experts committed to providing patient-centered care. When you are seen by one of our experienced orthopaedic providers—from our podiatrists and sports medicine doctors to our physical therapists and physician assistants—you can rest assured that you are receiving treatment from an experienced orthopaedic provider who is highly skilled in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the musculoskeletal system.

As a team, our goal is to help you, educate you, care for you, and treat you with the same high level of care and respect we would want for a member of our own family. Throughout your entire orthopaedic experience, we will be by your side for every step—from your first appointment to your last.

If you are ready to start your journey to a stronger you with less or no ankle or foot pain, take the first step by calling us today at 850-863-2153 or by using the button below. We offer four convenient locations: Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, and Crestview.