Readers ask: What Type Of Doctor Is Best For Foot Pain?

Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist for foot pain?

As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it’s best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it’s best to see an orthopedic physician.

What Doctor Treats Foot Pain?

A podiatrist is an expert on every part of the foot. See a podiatrist if you have foot pain or injury. Get urgent medical care if you have any of these symptoms for more than one or two days: severe pain.

When should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist?

Specific to problems in the extremities, orthopedists may turn their attention to the underlying bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons. The majority of those who experience foot and ankle disorders usually opt to see podiatrists for their initial care.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedist?

Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work side by side in hospitals and in the same group practices. The main difference lies in the body systems they treat. Orthopedic surgeons are concerned with bones, muscles, ligaments and joints throughout the body. Podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors and surgeons.

Should I see my primary doctor for foot pain?

If you regularly experience sore, tired, aching or swollen feet, it may be time to see a doctor. Foot pain may be caused by a variety of factors from arthritis to poorly fitting shoes to plantar fasciitis. Sometimes foot pain can indicate an underlying medical condition like diabetes that needs to be addressed.

How do I know if my foot pain is serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

1. Have severe pain or swelling.
2. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus.
3. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C)
4. Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.

What is foot pain a sign of?

Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense burning pain, numbness or tingling (peripheral neuropathy).

How can I relieve foot pain naturally?

10 Home Remedies to Relieve Sore Feet

1. Draw a bath.
2. Try stretching.
3. Practice strengthening exercises.
4. Get a foot massage.
5. Buy arch supports.
6. Switch your shoes.
7. Ice your feet.
8. Take a pain reliever.

Should I go to urgent care for foot pain?

Go to an urgent care or ER for foot pain if: You have severe pain and swelling. You are unable to walk or put weight on your foot. Have an open wound (Emergency room only) Have signs of infection such as redness, warmth or tenderness (Emergency room only)

What does a podiatrist do on first visit?

On your first visit, the podiatrist will obtain a thorough medical history to help identify possible areas of concern that may lead to or worsen foot and leg problems. Be prepared with any important medical records and information on the following: Current medical problems, medications and allergies. Past surgeries.

What conditions can Podiatrists treat?

Podiatrists treat people of any age for many foot-related conditions, including:

• Fractures and sprains. Podiatrists regularly treat these common injuries when they affect a foot or ankle.
• Bunions and hammertoes.
• Diabetes.
• Arthritis.
• Growing pains.
• Heel pain.
• Morton’s neuroma.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle specialist?

The primary and most important difference is the level of training each completes. Altogether, a foot and ankle surgeon will have 10+ years of training. Podiatrists attend podiatry school for four years followed by a 2-3 year residency. Altogether, a podiatrist will have 6-7 years of training.

Are podiatrist real doctors?

Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government. A DPM is a specialist in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lower extremity disorders, diseases and injuries.

How much money does a foot doctor make?

California average podiatrist salary: $120,750.

Do podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis?

The pain of plantar fasciitis can sometimes be confused with heel spurs or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Your podiatrist can provide the correct diagnosis for any foot pain you are suffering.