Premier Foot & Ankle: 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 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 can analyze your gait and determine what type of custom orthotics can be used inside your shoes to help keep your feet stable and in the proper position while walking or standing. Physiotherapy exercises. Physiotherapy exercises are used to strengthen any weak muscles and to help with balance issues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

What are 7 common foot problems? ›

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

In an average lifetime, we walk about 100,000 miles, which is tough on our feet. Yet our bodies were designed for moving not standing still, so walking is good exercise. Walking helps the muscles and ligaments in our feet to work more efficiently, and helps keep them supple and flexible.

Loss of balance or unsteadiness

Losing your balance while walking, or feeling imbalanced, can result from: Vestibular problems. Abnormalities in your inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head and unsteadiness in the dark. Nerve damage to your legs (peripheral neuropathy).

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.

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 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.