When dealing with an injury of the foot or ankle, you know how much it affects your daily life. That’s why you need a reputable physician who is experienced in treating your specific injury. You don’t have much time to waste when searching for a foot and ankle physician you can trust, so these tips will help you find someone as quickly as possible.

The first step to finding a reliable foot and ankle physician is to ask around your community. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors to find out if anyone has experience with an orthopaedic physician who specializes in foot and ankle injuries. It’s also beneficial to scour the web to get an idea of who is out there. Read their reviews before making an appointment to find out what kind of experiences other people have had with that physician.

After you’ve narrowed it down to a few physicians who come highly recommended, call their offices and schedule a time to meet the physician and tour the facility. Checking out the physician’s office will give you a chance to explore the area where you’ll be receiving treatments, learn about the technology and equipment they have, and become familiar with the environment. You wouldn’t want to continue treatment in an old, outdated facility.

The most important part of this process is meeting the physician. It’s crucial that you are comfortable with the physician and trust him or her to provide the best treatment possible. Go to the meeting prepared with a few questions to help you get to know the physician, his or her background and experience, and treatment you’ll be going through.

• Ask the physician about his or her medical degree, board certification, and any fellowship programs they were a part of.
• Ask how they will treat your injury. When you understand the kind of treatment you’ll be undergoing, you’ll know what to expect and feel more comfortable during the process.
• Ask how long they’ve been an orthopaedic  surgeon and how many times in the last three years they’ve treated the same injury you’re dealing with.
• Ask about the outcomes of the other patients they treated with your same injury. Find out if there were any complications and what the typical recovery process was like.
• Ask if they have any specialties. Some orthopaedic physicians deal mainly with foot and ankle injuries, so it would be a good idea to work with a physician that specializes in this area.

Doctors are used to having meetings with potential patients, so don’t hesitate to ask all the questions you have regarding their background and your injury. You want to get to know the physician as much as you can in order to make an informed decision.

If you’re dealing with a painful foot and ankle injury, find a reputable physician to work with as soon as possible. These tips will help you find a reliable foot and ankle physician who will have you feeling better in no time.

For more information about foot and ankle pain, download our e-book, Pains and Sprains: A Complete Guide to Foot Injuries and Disorders. This educational guide will provide you with everything you need to know when dealing with a painful foot or ankle injury, condition, or disorder.