Podiatry Malpractice
A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), also known as a podiatric physician or surgeon, is licensed to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. These doctors are NOT MD’s or DO’s, but podiatric malpractice is considered medical malpractice under the law.
Podiatrists treat a range of foot conditions including:
· Ingrown toe nails
· Amputation of Foot
· Nail fungus
· Hammer toes
· Bunions
· Plantar fasciitis
· Heel spurs
· Corns
· Calluses
· Arch problems
· Ankle and foot injuries
· Deformities
· Infections
· Foot ulcers caused by diabetes
Podiatric surgeries are not typically performed in hospitals or outpatient surgery center. Usually they are performed at the Podiatrist’s office. Should surgical complications arise, the risk to the patient is much greater than surgeries performed in a hospital.
Podiatry malpractice can result in nerve damage, drop foot and other consequences that may be much worse than the problem the surgery was intended to solve. Sometimes podiatrists will perform multiple or unnecessary surgeries without first exploring other treatments that are less risky to the patient.
The Risk of Infection
Outside a hospital setting, infection is always a risk. Diabetics are especially susceptible to infections. If a post-operative infection sets in after foot surgery and isn't treated properly, the patient may need additional surgeries. Staph infections are also a real threat when podiatric surgeries are not performed in sterile environments. Extreme cases can result in the amputation of toes, the foot or the entire leg.
Representing Victims of Podiatry Malpractice
Please call us with potential podiatric negligence claims including:
· Use of improper instrumentation and technique.
· Mismanagement of post operative infection.
· Failed bunion corrective surgery
o Also known as "hallux valgus" correction.
· Unsuccessful heel spur surgery
o Including nerve damage
· Hammertoe surgery where post-op the toes become twisted, distorted, stiff, no longer function, or do not touch the ground.
· Diabetic ulcers which get worse because of poor blood flow to the feet due to negligence of the podiatrist.
· Unnecessary or multiple surgeries particularly on women between 25 and 65 years.
· Any other serious podiatric malpractice injury cases.
*There are special time limitations and often other requirements to put forth a successful podiatric medical malpractice case. Call our office at no risk, our attorneys will provide you with FREE legal advice. No-Win No-Fee ensures we will work as hard as we can to help you.
Before Your Surgery
Just because podiatric surgeries are performed in an office rather than hospital, the following guidelines still apply:
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No shortcuts should be taken.
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Your podiatrist should take thorough medical history, followed by a careful examination, and then a reasonable treatment/surgical plan should be laid out for you.
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You must fill out a written consent form prior to your surgery.
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In addition to the written consent, your podiatrist should explain your diagnosis and the proposed treatment /surgery so you fully understand the risks involved and the alternatives you may have.
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You should be given sufficient time to consider your options about your treatment or surgery.
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You should understand what the post-operation care and the rehabilitation will consist of before making your decision about surgery.
Practice Across the United States
The differences in podiatric medical and surgical practice are determined by state law. Each state has differences about what a podiatrist is allowed to do and the range of the legs they are allowed to treat. Each state allows or limits the practice of podiatric medicine to the foot. Some states allow other types of surgery. Surgery above the ankle and leg is permitted by podiatrists in 44 states. | 
