Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute: 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.

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.

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.

As a general rule, if foot pain is your only issue, a podiatrist is a great choice. If you have pain all throughout your body, such as the neck and back, you should see an orthopedic doctor. If you can find a doctor that is trained in both orthopedics and podiatry, that is much better in the long run.

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.

While podiatrists focus on lower limb health, orthotics cover the entire body. Orthotics involves devices such as braces, compression garments, insoles, custom orthotic devices and orthotic footwear. People with medical conditions, disabilities, and injuries benefit greatly from orthoses.

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.

Dr. Alan MacGill, Named One of U.S.'s Top Foot & Ankle Surgeons in 2020 by BECKER'S - Spine & Orthopedic Center.

Although many foot pathologies seen at our Practice can be treated effectively and painlessly without the need for local anaesthesia some pathologies will require the affected area to be numbed prior to treatment.

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

Can a podiatrist treat poor circulation in feet? ›

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.

Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osem*ne, is an expert in treating these conditions and the discomfort they can cause. Two of the most common foot and ankle deformities are bunions and hammertoes.

Metatarsalgia (met-uh-tahr-SAL-juh) is a condition in which the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed. You might develop it if you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose.

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

Foot or ankle tendonitis is diagnosed under the care of your primary care provider, podiatrist, orthopedist or sports medicine physician.

A doctor of podiatric medicine is a medical professional who treats patients who are experiencing problems with their feet, ankles, and/or related structures of the leg. These particular areas of the body require expert care due to the important role these body parts play in a patient's everyday life.

The ankle is the joint that connects your foot to your lower leg. Healthcare providers sometimes refer to it as the tibiotalar joint or the talocrural joint. Like all joints, your ankles are part of your skeletal system. Your ankles also contain cartilage, muscles, ligaments and nerves.

Podiatrists treat everything from bunions to infected toenails, and patients are guaranteed to receive the best answer for their foot problems from a podiatrist. But there is another term that many people – particularly older patients – still use for foot doctors: chiropodist.

You should see a podiatrist if you feel pain or have problems with your feet, ankles or lower limbs such as discoloured skin/nails, skin rashes, foot odour, foot ulcers or foot injuries. It is also good to see a podiatrist if you have diabetes, arthritis or tripping and falling issues.