Surgical Podiatry

What Is Surgical Podiatry?

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.

What Do Podiatric Surgeons Do?

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.

Who Needs Podiatric Surgery?

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.

How Are Podiatric Surgeries Assessed?

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.

What Podiatric Surgeries Do We Perform?

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:

  • Orthopedic deformities – bunions, hammer toes, flatfeet, arthritis in ankle and foot
  • Sports Medicine Conditions – tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, sprains, tendon ruptures
  • Warts – hand and feet
  • Ingrown nails
  • Wound care
  • Diabetic limb salvage
  • Emergent fracture repair below the knee
  • Neonate/ Pediatric care consulting and surgical

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Podiatric Surgery?

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.

John Niemela, D.P.M - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Surgical Podiatry
JOHN NIEMELA, D.P.M

Dr. Niemela is an Upper Peninsula native from Marquette, MI. He graduated with Honors from Michigan State University with a Bachelors Degree majoring in Medical Technology. He completed a one year internship for 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 school degree, he earned a second bachelors degree from Scholl College: Bachelors in Biology.

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Read what clients have to say about Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

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

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5 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

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5 out of 5 stars

Berthenia AllisonBerthenia Allison ★★★★★ Dr. Rayner explains everything of the procedures and results, and also what as a patient I needed to do to follow up. I never felt that he was in a hurry during my time in the room. He was warm and approachable so when I asked him questions, he continued to answer in the same manner.Diana DavisDiana Davis ★★★★★ Excellent doctor and very thorough!Autumn BaileyAutumn Bailey ★★★★★ Vi BouchardVi Bouchard ★★★★★ DrDana Vix is very caring and helpful.Felicia ReidFelicia Reid ★★★★★ Dr. Schoenow was absolutely amazing along with the nursing care I received. I am so grateful to have these caring and compassionate professionals in our community. Thank you for providing me with top notch care and getting me the help I needed so quickly. Ed Unger was also amazing on my ambulance trip to escanaba. He talked to me the whole way and made sure I was comfortable. Thank you all!Scott CalkinsScott Calkins ★★★★★ Great personality. Explains your health care while conducting your appointment.reihasgaureihasgau ★★★★★ Dr. Bambach and his staff made sure to explain all the steps that we were going through. Everyone was courteous and very friendly and made me feel at ease.HardWay 1HardWay 1 ★★★★★ Andrew and Jodi are amazing. Entire staff have been a pleasure to deal with. Wish the facility had a 100 more like em. Healthcare isn’t cheap.EE ★★★★★ Friendly, informative, helpful. Enjoyed my visit.Response from the ownerYour 5-star review is appreciated! - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Mark GreenoughMark Greenough ★★★★★ Dr. John is my favorite DOCTOR to go get anything done. He is Very nice and helpful and kind to all how see him . I tell everyone how needs there FEET done or anything. SUPER NICE MAN GOD BLESS HIM 🙏 AND HIS FAMILY ❤️Debra McBurneyDebra McBurney ★★★★★ Dr Homer is always very kind, friendly and professional. On of my favorite RHC providers to see. He thoroughly alleviated any concerns I had about the reason for my visit.Mary RochefortMary Rochefort ★★★★★ Response from the ownerWe appreciate your positive review of our practice!- Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Annette GilbertAnnette Gilbert ★★★★★ Very nice and caringResponse from the ownerWe are so happy to receive your kind words! Thank you! - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Melody DuweMelody Duwe ★★★★★ Dr Niemala is An excellent doctor. He has a great “bedside manner” and very personable. I enjoy going to see him.Response from the ownerWe appreciate your kind words! - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Patti ShermanPatti Sherman ★★★★★ Response from the ownerWe appreciate your positive review of our practice!- Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Pamela BecksPamela Becks ★★★★★ Great lady.Response from the ownerThank you for the positive review! - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Jessie SeronkoJessie Seronko ★★★★★ Response from the ownerWe are dedicated to providing an outstanding experience at our practice. Thank you for your 5-star rating! - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Pete MathsonPete Mathson ★★★★★ Hoevy explains everything answered all my questions he's a good Doctor School craft is gald that they have him.Response from the ownerWe are dedicated to providing an outstanding care experience at the Cardiologist practice. Thank you for your feedback! - - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Terry DavisTerry Davis ★★★★★ As always, I get excellent care when dealing with Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, and this time was no exception.Response from the ownerThank you for the review. We really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to share your positive thoughts about our hospital - - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Shirley McDermottShirley McDermott ★★★★★ Response from the ownerWe are dedicated to providing an outstanding experience at our practice. Thank you for your 5-star rating! Linda TrischLinda Trisch ★★★★★ A good visit. Will check in after 6 monthsResponse from the ownerThank you for sharing your great feedback. We appreciate it! - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration js_loader