The Center For Foot Disorders in Baltimore: Board-Certified Podiatrist for Surgical and Conservative Foot Care

Shashank Srivastava, DPM, FACFAS, operates a solo podiatry practice in Baltimore focused on both surgical and conservative treatment of foot and ankle conditions. His FACFAS credential (Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) signals advanced training in surgical management of complex cases, distinguishing him from general practitioners or podiatrists who limit themselves to preventive care and custom orthotics.

What This Practice Actually Treats

The Center For Foot Disorders handles the full spectrum of foot and ankle pathology: bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot complications, fungal nails, and ankle instability. Patients with surgical needs—bunion removal, ankle stabilization, or neuroma excision—can complete diagnosis and surgery in-house rather than being referred to an orthopedic surgeon. Conservative cases (orthotics, gait analysis, medication management) are also managed here, meaning Baltimore patients do not always need a separate referral pathway for foot pain.

The FACFAS credential requires completion of an accredited residency in podiatric medicine and surgery plus additional clinical hours, and it reflects membership in a society with peer-review standards. Srivastava's surgical scope is wider than that of a DPM without fellowship training.

Services and Pricing

Common services include bunion repair, hammertoe correction, plantar fasciitis treatment (ranging from orthotics to shock-wave therapy to surgical release), diabetic foot screening, fungal nail treatment, and custom orthotics fabrication. Specific pricing is not consistently disclosed online; insurance copays vary widely depending on plan and whether the procedure is elective. Patients should call to confirm current fees and verify coverage before scheduling a surgical consultation. Initial consultations for conservative cases typically run 45 to 60 minutes and include imaging and gait assessment when needed.

For custom orthotics, many podiatries charge $400 to $800 per pair depending on materials and complexity; verification with the practice is required. Insurance often covers a portion of orthotic costs for diabetic patients or those with specific diagnoses, but not for cosmetic or preventive reasons.

How This Practice Compares to Other Baltimore Podiatrists

Baltimore has multiple podiatrists, but few hold the FACFAS credential. Most other local practices focus on preventive care and orthotics, with surgical cases referred out to orthopedic surgeons. This means if you have a bunion requiring surgery, you would normally see a podiatrist for diagnosis, then transition to an orthopedic surgeon for the procedure. At The Center For Foot Disorders, diagnosis and surgery can stay in-house, streamlining the process and avoiding a second referral. For uncomplicated arch pain or shoe fitting, any board-certified podiatrist will suffice; the surgical credential becomes relevant only if you need operative intervention.

Other Baltimore podiatrists with strong reputations include those within hospital systems (such as practices affiliated with Mercy Medical Center or UM Medical System), which offer integrated records and access to emergency services but often operate on longer scheduling timelines due to larger patient volumes.

Who This Practice Suits and Does Not Suit

This is the right choice for anyone with a surgical foot or ankle condition, or for someone whose conservative treatment has failed and who wants to avoid a referral cycle. Diabetic patients benefit from Srivastava's expertise in preventing and treating complications that can be limb-threatening. Patients seeking only shoe inserts, routine toenail care, or preventive screening may find the same care at a general podiatrist, likely with shorter wait times for non-urgent visits.

The practice does not perform general dentistry or provide care outside podiatry, so anyone with concurrent dental or systemic issues will need separate providers.

What the First Visit Involves

A new-patient appointment starts with a detailed history of the foot or ankle problem, including onset, prior treatments, and impact on function. Srivastava performs a physical examination, assessing gait, range of motion, strength, and skin integrity. Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI) is ordered if the diagnosis is unclear. If surgery is being considered, the consultation includes discussion of procedure options, recovery time, risks, and costs. Many patients leave with a conservative treatment plan (orthotics, physical therapy, topical agents) and are reassessed in 4 to 6 weeks before advancing to surgery.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Specific hours and parking details should be confirmed directly with the practice, as these can shift seasonally or due to scheduling changes. Baltimore's East Side and Inner Harbor areas where many podiatry practices operate offer street parking or small lots; some medical buildings have on-site parking or validation. Call ahead to ask whether parking is available at the practice location.

Why This Practice Matters in Baltimore

A board-certified surgical podiatrist reduces the fragmentation that often occurs when foot pain requires multiple providers. For Baltimore patients with bunions, diabetic complications, or ankle instability, having diagnosis and operative care in one practice simplifies scheduling and continuity.