One of the Nation's Leading Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Nationally Recognized Expertise in Advanced Foot & Ankle Surgery and Sports Medicine
Norman E. Waldrop, III, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon and one of the nation’s leading specialists in advanced foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine.
Patients and athletes from throughout the United States seek Dr. Waldrop’s expertise for both routine and complex foot and ankle injuries, reflecting his national reputation for delivering exceptional care at every level of competition and activity.
Dr. Waldrop specializes in the treatment of sports-related injuries and complex conditions of the foot and ankle affecting professional, collegiate, high school and recreational athletes, as well as active individuals seeking to return to the activities they love.
His practice is centered on restoring function, preserving motion and helping patients safely and confidently return to work, competition and active lifestyles.
Expertise in Advanced Foot & Ankle Sports Injuries
Nationally recognized for his expertise in foot and ankle sports medicine, Dr. Waldrop is highly sought after for the treatment of acute, chronic and complex conditions, including:
- Achilles Tendon Ruptures & Achilles Tendon Injuries
- Syndesmotic & High Ankle Sprains
- Lisfranc Injuries
- Turf Toe Injuries
- Ankle Instability & Recurrent Ankle Sprains
- Foot & Ankle Fractures
- Cartilage Injuries of the Ankle
- Tendon & Ligament Injuries
- Traumatic & Post-Traumatic Foot & Ankle Conditions
- Sports-Related Injuries of the Foot & Ankle
His surgical expertise includes ankle arthroscopy, Achilles tendon repair, ligament reconstruction, syndesmotic repair using tight-rope fixation, Lisfranc injury stabilization, turf toe repair and other advanced procedures designed to restore function while protecting long-term mobility.
Whether treating a season-threatening injury in an elite athlete or helping an active adult overcome a painful foot or ankle condition, Dr. Waldrop develops an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s injury, activity level, performance goals and long-term needs.
Trusted by Elite Athletes From Across the United States
A significant portion of Dr. Waldrop’s practice is dedicated to the care of elite and high-performance athletes.
Professional, collegiate and high school athletes from across the country seek his expertise for primary treatment, second opinions and complex foot and ankle injuries. His experience caring for athletes at the highest levels of competition has helped establish Dr. Waldrop as a nationally respected authority in foot and ankle sports medicine.
His expertise has been referenced in national media coverage involving the care of NFL quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Bo Nix and Tua Tagovailoa, further reflecting his reputation as a trusted specialist for high-profile foot and ankle injuries.
Dr. Waldrop understands that successful treatment involves more than repairing an injury. It requires protecting the athlete’s future, restoring confidence and creating a safe, strategic path back to competition.
Trusted by Professional & Collegiate Programs
Dr. Waldrop serves as a team physician and orthopaedic consultant for the New Orleans Saints and the University of Alabama.
He also serves as an orthopaedic consultant for:
- Jacksonville State University
- Troy University
- Samford University
- University of West Alabama
- Multiple high school athletic programs throughout Alabama
Through these roles, Dr. Waldrop works closely with athletic trainers, team physicians, physical therapists, strength and conditioning professionals and coaching staffs to provide coordinated care for athletes with foot and ankle injuries.
His involvement with professional, collegiate and community athletic programs reflects his longstanding commitment to sports medicine and his trusted role in helping athletes safely return to competition.
Advancing Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Waldrop maintains a strong academic and research focus on sports-related foot and ankle injuries and traumatic injuries of the lower extremities.
He has presented research at national meetings for several of the profession’s leading organizations, including:
- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- The Orthopaedic Trauma Association
- The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
Dr. Waldrop has also authored multiple book chapters on foot and ankle surgery and continues to contribute to the advancement of treatment strategies for athletes and active individuals.
His academic work complements his clinical practice by helping refine surgical techniques, improve patient outcomes and advance the understanding of complex foot and ankle injuries.
Premier Foot & Ankle Sports Fellowship Training
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Waldrop earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of Virginia before returning to Alabama to obtain his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham.
He completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he developed a strong interest in foot and ankle surgery under the mentorship of nationally recognized orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Robert Anderson and Dr. Hodges Davis.
Dr. Waldrop then completed an advanced foot and ankle fellowship at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, one of the nation’s premier destinations for orthopaedic sports medicine.
During his fellowship, he trained under internationally recognized foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Clanton and gained extensive experience caring for complex sports injuries and elite athletes.
That combination of advanced fellowship training, national-level sports medicine experience and ongoing clinical research has shaped Dr. Waldrop’s approach to foot and ankle care.
Helping Patients Achieve Victory Over Injury®
Dr. Waldrop believes every patient deserves a thoughtful, individualized treatment plan designed around their goals.
Some patients want to return to professional or collegiate competition. Others want to run, ski, golf, work without pain or simply remain active with their families.
Regardless of the goal, Dr. Waldrop is committed to providing advanced, evidence-based foot and ankle care that restores function, protects long-term mobility and helps patients move forward with confidence.
From elite athletes facing complex injuries to active individuals seeking a trusted foot and ankle specialist, patients from Birmingham, Central Alabama and throughout the United States turn to Dr. Waldrop for exceptional surgical expertise and a clear path toward recovery.
Dr. Waldrop and his wife, Meredith, have two sons, Cort and Robert. Outside of medicine, he enjoys golfing, skiing, fishing and spending time with his family.
Comeback Stories
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Learn MoreMy Achilles injury in December 2024 nearly ended my journey, but Dr. Norman Waldrop and Andrews Sports Medicine helped me earn one more shot. Now I’m back, stronger, and ready to finish what I started.
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. | Omaha, NE -
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With expert care from Dr. Norman Waldrop, a Gardendale nurse overcame chronic foot pain and returned to the pickleball court. Today, she’s back to the active life she loves.
Amy Patillo | Gardendale, AL -
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One moment in the goal altered her season, her confidence, and her future — yet through fear, faith, and relentless determination, she found her way back with the help of Dr. Norman Waldrop.
Mary Katherine Cleveland | Homewood, AL -
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From a devastating football injury to a triumphant return to baseball, John Allen’s journey is a powerful story of patience, perseverance, and Victory Over Injury.
John Allen Powell | Thomasville, AL -
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From silent suffering to renewed strength, John Bryant’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, gratitude, and Victory Over Injury.
John Bryant | Alpine, AL
Media Center
In this edition of NP Spotlight, we introduce you to Heather Greer, CRNP. Heather shares details about growing up in Texas, working alongside our foot and ankle specialist, Norman Waldrop III, MD, for nearly a decade, and family life with her husband, Ray, and their four adult sons.
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Leadership in Athletics:
- New Orleans Saints - Team Physician & Orthopaedic Consultant
- Birmingham Barons - Orthopaedic Consultant
- University of Alabama Athletics - Team Physician & Orthopaedic Consultant
- Jacksonville State University Athletics - Orthopaedic Consultant
- Samford University Athletics - Orthopaedic Consultant
- Troy University Athletics - Orthopaedic Consultant
- University of West Alabama Athletics - Orthopaedic Consultant
- Tuskegee University Athletics - Orthopaedic Consultant
- Shelton State Community College Athletics - Orthopaedic Consultant
- Homewood High School Athletics - Team Physician