When you experience a severe foot or ankle injury, finding the right care can make a difference in your recovery.
At Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico in Roswell, New Mexico, David Ball, DPM, provides conservative and surgical care for complex foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Ball is board-certified and fellowship-trained in advanced foot and ankle surgery, including sports medicine, joint replacement, and complex limb salvage.
If you require foot and ankle surgery, understanding your surgeon's specific credentials can make a major difference in your recovery. Many patients feel confused by the different types of doctors who treat lower-extremity issues. We want to clarify what these credentials mean so you can choose confidently.
Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists follow entirely different educational paths before they begin practicing. Orthopedic surgeons complete general medical school followed by a comprehensive musculoskeletal residency, while podiatrists attend specialized podiatric medical schools.
A survey of patients published in Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics revealed widespread public confusion regarding these two paths. Many patients mistakenly believe that both types of doctors undergo identical training.
In reality, orthopedic surgeons complete a five-year residency covering the entire body before completing an optional one-year foot and ankle fellowship. Podiatrists complete a three- to four-year residency focused strictly on the lower leg, foot, and ankle.
At our Roswell, New Mexico, clinic, Dr. Ball provides comprehensive podiatric and foot and ankle care as part of our broader orthopedic team. His specialized training allows him to treat a wide range of lower-extremity conditions, from routine concerns to more complex surgical needs.
A surgeon's experience with your particular condition is worth considering alongside their training and credentials.
A 2022 study in Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics found that patients treated by higher-volume surgeons for certain ankle fractures were more likely to have proper joint alignment after surgery than those treated by lower-volume surgeons. However, the study couldn't determine how much of that difference was related to surgical volume versus specialized training.
At our practice, we focus on careful surgical planning and treatment tailored to your condition. Whether you need fracture care or reconstructive surgery, we help you understand your options and what to expect.
We combine advanced diagnostics with specialized surgical expertise to treat complex joint issues like ankle arthritis and severe fractures. Our team tailors every treatment plan to your unique anatomy and lifestyle.
For complex procedures such as total ankle replacement, choose a specialist with training and experience treating your specific condition. Dr. Ball has completed advanced fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery, including joint replacement and complex limb reconstruction.
Complex foot and ankle problems sometimes overlap with other orthopedic or medical concerns. At Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico, our providers can coordinate care across specialties as needed, and Dr. Ball brings advanced training in foot and ankle conditions.
Your mobility is too important to leave to chance. If you’re struggling with chronic pain or a recent injury, let our experienced specialists guide your recovery. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation at our Roswell, New Mexico, office.
