Dr. Cottom is a leading ankle surgeon in Sarasota, specializing in total ankle replacement, fracture care, and complex foot and ankle surgery.
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Michigan State University
Scholl College/ Finch University
Residency
Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University
Fellowship
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Columbus, Ohio
Bio
Dr. Cottom is currently the only Orthopedic Fellowship Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon in the region who is trained on 10 FDA approved Total Ankle Replacements.*
Dr. Cottom received his bachelor's degree with honors from Michigan State University. In 2002 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Scholl College/ Finch University, in Chicago, Illinois. Subsequently, he completed a three-year surgical residency in reconstructive and trauma surgery of the foot and ankle at the Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan focusing in all areas of Foot, Ankle, and Leg Surgery.
Dr. Cottom is honored to be one of only a few podiatric surgeons in the United States and the only in the state of Florida that has completed an Orthopedic 12- month surgical Fellowship at the prestigious Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Columbus, Ohio. This advanced surgical training focused on foot and ankle trauma, sports medicine, reconstructive surgery as well as total ankle replacement. This was completed in Columbus, Ohio under the direction of Gregory Berlet MD, Thomas Lee MD, Terrence Philbin DO and Christopher Hyer DPM, FACFAS and was affiliated with The Ohio State University. This is the same type of fellowship that MD/DO orthopedic surgeons complete if they wish to sub-specialize in the foot and ankle.
In 2005, he completed an AO International Trauma and Reconstructive Foot and Leg Fellowship under the direction of Dr. Sigvard Hansen MD in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Cottom also completed a Fellowship in Kurgan, Russia focusing on the Ilizarov technique for correction of acute trauma and complex deformities of the lower extremity in both adult and pediatric patients.
Dr. Cottom has authored over 75 peer-reviewed research publications and 10 book chapters in the area of Foot, Ankle, and Leg surgery and has won research awards both at the state and national levels for his work. He is very active in lecturing, both nationally and internationally, as well as in teaching the latest surgical procedures to other surgeons. He is a devoted patient advocate who strongly believes that the quality of education and training make a difference in treatment outcomes. Dr. Cottom is a member of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, which helps deliver superior continuing medical education to foot and ankle surgeons in the United States. He also serves as the Fellowship Director of the Alexander Orthopaedics/ Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center 12-month Foot and Ankle Fellowship which has graduated 16 fellows to date. A native of Michigan, Cottom now lives in Siesta Key, Florida with his wife Devin and daughters.
*Not every patient is a candidate for this type of treatment. Options can be explored during a short visit to the office.
Conditions Treated
- Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot, Ankle, & Leg
- Total Ankle Replacement
- Adult and Pediatric Fracture Care
- Adult and Pediatric Lower Extremity Orthopedics
- Arthroscopic Surgery
- Revisional Surgery, Paralysis/Neuromuscular Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine (PRP, MLS Laser, BMAC, Shockwave)
- Complex Deformity Correction
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Memberships
- American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
What Our Patients Are Saying
- Laurie Fairman
Dr Cottom is outstanding and the best surgeon for feet ever! He did my Achilles surgery and I’m playing golf again after 6 months! That may sound like a long time but it’s not for this surgery! He is very competent not to mention a really nice person. I HIGHLY recommend him! You will not be disappointed! 👍😀
May 6, 2026Ramin MesghaliI'm guessing credit departments don't get positive reviews very often, but my experience was great. Tristan, from the credit department has gone to battle with me since September of last year after an accident that had all of my claims denied due to incorrect information. I called over and over and every time I thought it was settled, I would get the gentle reminder from Tristan that nothing had been reprocessed. Today he called to... read more
April 29, 2026C.M. CareyDr Askins did mytotal knee replacement almost 10 years ago. He is an outstanding surgeon. I currently have duel residency ,Texaas & Florida. I now need surgery on my left knee. Dr in Texas said we can tske care of it. I said no thank you. I already have the best Ortho surgeon in Florida.
March 25, 2026 - John Calia
Dr. Askins replaced my left hip in 2013. I had surgery on a Friday morning and I was walking without a cane on Monday. I have had no issues since. He now cares for my left knee. He’s very easy going and patient. So happy a friend referred me to him.
April 10, 2025Leslie HolstThe dr lied to Me about what he was putting into My knees year half later one hurts all the time worst follow up. Anger problems
January 5, 2025Jacalyn HealyDr Askins is the Best of the Best. Absolute Professional Surgeon with acute attention to detail with a willingness to answer a hundred questions from his patient. Cares about you and his work being his best!
April 19, 2023 - Rosanne Giardina
Dr Askins was best doctor !! Surgery done in 2010 .... kept up with all appointments and in 2015 went for follow up to be told 10 years next visit. 2022 called to make appt was told doesn't take my insurance. The new doctor I am established with requested my records only to be told that my records were destroyed !! Something very fishy about this !! Chris... read more
August 22, 2022D. BrooksI now have had both knees replaced, first one 11 years ago, and most recently just 4 weeks ago. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Askins. He takes the time to explain details about the why and how of his diagnosis and procedures, and his follow-through is excellent. I have every reason to believe I will be as pleased with this newest knee as I was with the first one. Dr.... read more
August 7, 2019Henry RodriguezThis review comes out of concern for others. In March of 2016 I had a total knee replacement done by Dr. Askins. My swelling never went down to a respectable level and I went back to Dr. Askins for over a period of 2 1/2 years only to keep hearing that I "needed to lift my leg and take advil" and all will be fine. I trusted his judgement that my swelling was "normal" and... read more
January 6, 2019