Do I Need A Podiatrist Or An Orthopedist? | Joint Replacement Institute (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to have foot surgery by a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon? ›

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.

While there is certainly some overlap between the two professions, podiatrists and orthopedists specialize in treating different body parts and structures. If you are suffering from a foot condition, such as plantar fasciitis, or an ankle fracture, you will need to see a podiatrist (and not an orthopedist).

Podiatrists: Podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle disorders, including skin and nail conditions, biomechanical abnormalities, diabetic foot care, and minor surgical procedures such as ingrown toenail removal and bunion correction.

Apart from the bulging bump, the following are the signs and symptoms of a bunion. If you have any of these, it is in your best interest to see a podiatrist for an evaluation: Toe deformity. Corns and calluses (often develop where your first and second toes rub against each other)

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.

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.

This can happen to many nerves in your body, but the one most commonly mistaken for plantar fasciitis is the tibial nerve, which runs down the back of your leg. When the tibial nerve is pinched or entrapped near the ankle, it is called tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Chiropodists are foot specialists who can evaluate and diagnose the condition, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide foot care advice to prevent the recurrence of the condition. One of the most effective treatments that chiropodists can provide for plantar fasciitis is custom-made orthotics.

Your podiatrist is an expert at helping people suffering from plantar fasciitis. While foot and ankle surgery may eventually be the most appropriate course of treatment, non-invasive alternatives are usually the first options. These include: over-the-counter and prescription medications.

There is one big difference, though: podiatrists and orthopedic doctors treat different body systems. An orthopedic doctor treats issues with bones, muscles, and ligaments all throughout the body, including the knees, hips, and feet, whereas a podiatrist treats foot, ankle, and heel problems exclusively.

What kind of doctor treats swollen feet and ankles? ›

—a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.

Podiatrists can diagnose and treat any issues that affect your feet, ankles and lower legs — including performing surgery.

Other non-surgical treatments for bunions include injections of cortisone or oral anti-inflammatory medication and wearing custom-made shoes that accommodate the bunion deformity.

Bunion is rarely treated by simply “shaving” down the bump on the side of the big toe: if done alone, the deformity will recur and the bunion pain will return. The bunion is typically corrected by cutting the 1st metatarsal (which is called an osteotomy) and then re-aligning the bone.

Bunion surgery costs depend on the type of surgery you have, where you have the procedure, your health insurance or Medicare coverage, and more. Generally, if your bunion pain is leading to physical limitations, and surgery is deemed medically necessary by your podiatrist, insurance will cover the procedure.

Both are concerned with bones, muscles, ligaments and joints in the foot. Outside of this, orthopedic surgeons are concerned with other areas of the body, including knees, hips, spine. Podiatrists are concerned with other organ systems in the foot and ankle, including the skin, blood vessels and nerves.

Early detection and treatment can help avoid surgery but if the condition does not respond to conservative treatment, gets worse, or affects the quality of life, reconstructive foot surgery should be considered. A good podiatrist will provide an expert treatment plan for your foot condition.

Other foot problems

When more conservative treatments don't eliminate pain and mobility limitations, your doctor assesses surgical options, which are quite successful.

Podiatrists complete four years of higher education at a school of podiatry to receive their medical certification. They follow their podiatry education with two to three years of residency. Foot and ankle specialists receive additional advanced training to treat traumatic injuries of the lower leg, ankle, and foot.