Is there a difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle specialist? - Bone & Joint (2024)

FAQs

Is there a difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle specialist? - Bone & Joint? ›

Unlike podiatrists that only treat the foot and ankle, an orthopedic doctor also treats other body parts such as the knees, hips, and spine. If podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors, orthopedists are bone and joint specialists. Orthopedists can treat various musculoskeletal issues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A podiatrist isn't enough for patients with arthritis

“Podiatrists can treat all types of foot pain, but if your doctor suspects an inflammatory arthritic condition such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, it is very important to see a rheumatologist in addition to your foot doctor,” Dr.

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.

Podiatrists are medical specialists who have been trained to assess, diagnose, and treat conditions related to the feet, ankle, lower limbs, and their associated structures.

What is the most common problem treated by podiatrist? ›

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.

One of the most common replacement surgeries a podiatric surgeon performs is ankle replacement. The procedure aims to replace the damaged joint surfaces of the ankle with artificial implants.

—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 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.

Orthotics might help you if: One side of the sole of your shoe wears out faster than the other. You frequently sprain your ankle. You have chronic heel, knee, or lower back pain.

A podiatrist (foot doctor) or other qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes or inserts, and you must get the shoes or inserts from one of these: A podiatrist. An orthotist. A prosthetist.

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.

The D.O. degree refers to osteopathic physicians. The D.P.M. degree refers to podiatric physicians.