Are you in search of a foot surgeon in Maryland?
Before you make an appointment with the first doctor that pops up when you search Google, read our 10 tips for finding the best foot surgeon in Maryland.
1. Understand what a foot surgeon does.
Foot and ankle surgeons are doctors who treat issues with the musculoskeletal system of the ankle and foot. Foot surgeons can diagnose and treat issues with bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, tendons and skin around the foot and ankle. They can treat foot injuries with non-invasive treatments, as well as perform reconstructive procedures. Working with physicians who specialize in other areas, a foot surgeon can admit patients to the hospital when needed and recognize other medical issues that may cause foot problems.
Let’s take, for example, Jordan R. Stewart, DPM, a Maryland podiatrist who specializes in diagnosing, treating and preventing foot and ankle disorders. The ”DPM” at the end of his name stands for “doctor of podiatric medicine”. A DPM is the only health care professional whose complete training centers around the foot, ankle and related body systems.
2. Evaluate the surgeon’s clinical background.
It’s important to make sure the surgeon you choose has a solid clinical background. You will want the best care and expertise possible when it comes to your foot surgery. Dr. Stewart received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland at College Park, and completed his graduate studies at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. He then completed a 3-year surgical residency at Mercy Medical Center and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, both in Baltimore.
3. Ensure that the foot surgeon is board certified.
When selecting a foot surgeon, be sure to ask if he or she is board certified. This means that the surgeon has gone though rigorous testing and evaluation to become a specialist in a particular field. Dr. Stewart is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is on the Executive Board of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA). Dr. Stewart is also an active staff member at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
4. Know what the surgeon’s practice specializes in.
Be sure that the surgeon’s practice specializes in your condition. You will want a surgeon that can meet your exact needs. Dr. Stewart’s practice, Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, specializes in the following:
- Laser therapy for toenail and soft tissue conditions
- Therapeutic Pain Laser used to treat painful foot and ankle conditions
- In-Office Digital X-rays
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Ultrasound Imaging
- Custom Molded Foot and Ankle Orthotics and Braces
- Durable Medical Equipment – Walking Boots, Surgical Shoes, Crutches, Ankle Braces, and Splints
- Adult and Pediatric Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
- Geriatric Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
- Sports Medicine Care
- Treatment of Work Related Injuries
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Pain Management for Foot and Ankle Conditions
- Treatment of Nail and Skin Conditions
- Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Second Opinion Consultations
5. Research the surgeon’s experience with your condition.
The more experience a surgeon has with your particular condition, the better treatment you will receive. Calling the surgeon’s office with questions and researching online are two ways to determine if a surgeon is the right one for you.
6. Be sure that the surgeon you choose only recommends surgery after non-invasive treatments are exhausted.
Any type of surgery is a big decision. Before you have surgery, make sure that you have tried all available non-invasive options first. Dr. Stewart focuses on conservative patient care, and only performs surgery when it is absolutely necessary.
7. Ask if the surgeon offers laser therapy.
If your foot issue involves an injury, laser therapy – rather than surgery – may be for you. Timonium Foot and Ankle Center offers the Diowave 15W Therapeutic Pain Laser, the latest class 4 medical laser in podiatry. Recently cleared by the FDA, this laser treatment is pain-free and can reduce your inflammation and pain. It enables cell growth and tissue repair to occur quickly, so you have a short recovery time. This type of laser therapy treats your problem instead of masking it with other remedies such as oral painkillers.
8. Find out if in-center x-rays and ultrasound are offered in the surgeon’s office.
It’s always convenient when you don’t have to go to a location outside of your doctor’s office for x-rays or an ultrasound image. Timonium Foot and Ankle Center offers in-office digital x-rays and state of the art ultrasound imaging.
9. Inquire about second opinion consultations.
Because surgery is a big deal – no matter how serious the condition is, you may want a second opinion. If you have already been diagnosed with a foot or ankle problem, but want a second opinion, you can get one at Timonium Foot and Ankle Center.
10. Ensure that the surgery center lets you know the costs associated with the surgery up front.
The last thing you want is to have surgery and then be surprised by costs afterward. The cost of any type of surgery will depend upon your health insurance coverage. Your total surgery or a fraction of it may be covered. Surgery costs will depend on your insurance carrier and the type of plan that you have. The staff at Timonium Foot and Ankle Center is happy to check your benefits for you to let you know the entire cost up front.
By using these 10 tips for finding a foot surgeon, you will rest assured that you did the proper due diligence in finding the best surgeon for your needs.
Dr. Jordan R. Stewart
Dr. Jordan R. Stewart of The Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, located directly off of Interstate 83 just a few minutes off of the Baltimore Beltway, is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
He completed his surgical residency at Mercy Medical Center and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His time at U of M also included a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery in the Department of Orthopaedics.
During his residency, and now private practice, Dr. Stewart has gained extensive experience in performing surgery on the foot and ankle.
He has gained the reputation of being a conservative doctor, only using surgery as a last resort. His patients have praised him as being a gentle doctor who uses extreme care in his procedures. This helps his patients recover more quickly with less pain.
Please visit our testimonials page to see some of his surgical reviews by many of his patients. You will see many instances where Dr. Stewart was able to help patients that had previously felt that their condition was unable to be successfully treated.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stewart please call our office at 410-560-2777 or simply fill out the form on the top right of this page.
Dr. Stewart’s schedule fills up quickly, so call right away for a convenient appointment time.