Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center: Podiatrists (2024)

FAQs

Is there a difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle specialist? ›

A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon performs complex surgical procedures, not performed by a podiatrist. There can be some overlap in what a podiatrist treats and what an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist treats such as the simpler conditions of sprains and strains.

Common problems that podiatrists treat include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and athlete's foot. Treatment methods used by podiatrists can vary depending on the specific condition but often include things like orthotic devices, braces, or surgery.

A podiatrist goes to Podiatric Medical School and earns the DPM degree. Like other medical schools, podiatric medical schools require the MCAT test and are competitive. However, pod schools get fewer applicants than general med schools, and are therefore easier to get into.

Both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, surgically and non-surgically. In general, the best bet is to choose the doctor you feel the most comfortable with, or who has the most experience treating your particular condition.

Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care. Conversely, orthopedists cater to general musculoskeletal problems. Although an orthopedist technically has studied foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist specializes in them. This specialization allows a podiatrist to better address issues unique to your foot and ankle.

The truth is that foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons have the most comprehensive training available for nonsurgical treatment options and have the highest level of qualifications to diagnose the root cause of any foot or ankle problem.

Some of the most common foot problems in older adults include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown, thickened or discolored nails, diabetic foot conditions, poor circulation, and heel pain. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health as you age.

Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

If you have poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and help you manage this condition. While poor circulation itself isn't a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have.

However, despite all these positive attributes, the field of podiatry seems relatively unknown and unpopular to students. Some believe that this is an issue regarding respect. People, especially students, want to enter a profession which everyone knows and regards as highly respectful.

Why do podiatrists make so much money? ›

A DPM has a comparable educational path to that of other types of doctors. With this level of schooling and training, it makes sense for them to earn more than many occupations while being on par with other physician specialists. There are also many sub-specializations within the specialty of podiatry.

Your podiatrist can safely cut your nails and remove fungus without spreading it. They can also prescribe antifungal creams and sprays to help the nail heal.

This depends on the particular issue you have. Both professionals are qualified to treat foot, ankle, and heel problems, surgically or otherwise, but a podiatrist is especially qualified to treat these particular problems. If your problem falls into one of those three categories, then go see a podiatrist.

Complications of foot and ankle surgery can include infections, swelling and stiffness, and wound haematoma (bleeding). If you're generally healthy the risk of a serious complication from an operation is very small. Every possible care is taken to prevent complications, but in a few cases these do happen.

There is essentially a lot of overlap in treatments, but orthopedists point out that they are able to treat the patient as a whole, not just form the ankle down. Many patients swear by podiatrist however, believing that they are better at offering pain relief and trying conservative measures first.

Both podiatrists and orthopedists can treat foot and ankle problems. You can see either type of doctor for surgical and nonsurgical solutions. If you want to see an orthopedist, it's a good idea to choose a doctor that specializes in foot and ankle pain.

A podiatrist is a physician and surgeon specializing in foot and ankle conditions and health.

Podiatrists diagnose and treat any foot or ankle problem. They perform physical exams and use tests to identify issues that make it hard to move or use your feet and ankles. They can also perform surgery.

Regardless of how the injury occurred, seeing a podiatrist is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis. 'It is not normal to have pain in your foot and ankle. The body is designed in such a way that all bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and skin work in fluid motion every step of the way an individual takes.