Surgical podiatry refers to the diagnosis and surgical remediation of conditions relating to the feet, ankles, and lower extremities.
This can involve any issue that impacts a patient’s ability to move or effectively use their lower limbs, such as bunions, sprains, torn ligaments, flat foot, broken bones, and so on. People of all ages could require the services of a surgical podiatrist, from neonates to the elderly.
Podiatric surgery is also relatively common in the sporting field, as the lower extremities can suffer impact trauma in full contact sports. Foot and ankle reconstructions are a common specialty for Board Certified Foot and Ankle podiatric surgeons.
Podiatric surgeons specialize in providing expert care and treatment to patients with issues below the knee.
Surgical podiatry is a particular specialization following medical school, much like neurosurgery or dermatology. Following four years as an undergrad and four years in medical school, future podiatric surgeons spend an additional 3-4 years honing their skills until they are experts in their field.
Within surgical podiatry professionals can specialize further in certain procedures such as reconstructions, trauma, diabetic limb salvage and sports medicine.
Anyone who is suffering from any debilitating condition affecting their lower extremities could benefit from a consultation with a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon.
Those who play contact sports are at greater risk of requiring surgical assistance for broken bones, strained muscles or joint reconstructions. People who suffer from bunions caused by tight shoes or genetics could also improve their quality of life through surgery.
Podiatric surgeries are assessed in much the same way as any other surgery.
Your podiatric surgeon will consult with you and ask you about what is troubling you and what you would like to address. They will collect a detailed history of your injury to determine the likely cause and the best corrective procedure.
To have the most complete picture of what is happening around the injury site, x-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds may be requested to ensure the surgeon has as much information as possible before the procedure.
Once all the information has been gathered and assessed by the surgeon, they will discuss your options and what they perceive to be the best course of action for you.
Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is proud to offer an extensive range of podiatric surgeries to our community from one of the leading podiatric surgeons in the state. Some of the procedures we offer include:
As with most types of surgery, recovery times for podiatric surgery will vary depending on the complexity and extent of your particular procedure.
Average recovery times for something like a foot and ankle reconstruction can take up to 9 months, whereas a bunionectomy could have a recovery time around 8 weeks.
Whatever your situation, your podiatric surgeon will explain the aftercare required for your procedure and ensure you are set up with any physical therapy or dressing changes you might need during your recovery period.
Dr. John Niemela is an Upper Peninsula native from Marquette, Michigan. He graduated with honors from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. He completed a one-year internship in medical technology at Hurley Hospital in Flint, Michigan. Following the internship, he worked as a medical technologist for three years at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan, before attending medical school at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.
Before receiving his medical degree, Dr. Niemela earned a second bachelor’s degree from Scholl College. He then graduated from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 2002, magna cum laude, with a doctorate of podiatric medicine. Following medical school, he was accepted to a three-year surgical residency at the Legacy Portland Hospital/Kaiser (PSR 36) Surgical Residency Program. Upon completion of his residency, he started in private practice in Marquette, Michigan, and has provided complete foot and ankle care from neonates to geriatric patients for over 12 years.
Dr. Niemela is available for trauma call at the hospital for injuries below the knee and will also be providing complete pediatric foot and ankle care, including clubfoot casting, congenital deformities, and flatfoot treatment.
His main clinical services include:
Dr. Niemela’s hobbies include cross-country skiing, running, hunting, and enjoying time with my family.
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Specialty Clinic
Everyone in the ambulatory care/outpatient surgery were great!! They all made me feel very comfortable and did a great job!!! thank you to the whole outpatient staff and Doctor Rayner..I would recommend Schoolcraft or patient to anyone in need of surgery
Reviewer: Jeremy Sitkoski
out of 5 stars
The care that was provided by The nurses (Cindy, Felicia Ruth) and staff was exceptional. The entire staff was very friendly and made you feel welcome. We received a call from Felicia the next day to check on my husband to check his pain level and do a follow up. The surgery area from check in to check out was well organized, clean, and up to date. Thank you to all of you for what you do so well and everything beyond your normal duties.
Reviewer: Maureen DesChamps
5 out of 5 stars
906-341-3200 
