FAQ: What Is Better A Podiatrist Or Orthopedist?

DO orthopedic doctors treat foot problems?

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.

What kind of doctor should I see for foot pain?

A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to sprains and fractures, bunions, heel pain /spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses.

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.

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Why are podiatrists not doctors?

Are They Doctors? Podiatrists are doctors, but they don’t go to traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations. They also have “DPM” ( doctor of podiatric medicine) after their names instead of “MD” (medical doctor ).

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.

Can an orthopedic doctor treat plantar fasciitis?

An orthopedic specialist may be able to offer valuable insight into treatment options, especially if your plantar fasciitis is severe or there are other underlying problems with your joints and tissues.

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.

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.
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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.

What kind of surgeries do Podiatrists perform?

Surgical Procedures

  • Foot and Ankle Surgical Procedures. Surgery on the foot, ankle or lower leg is usually performed by podiatric surgeons and orthopedic surgeons specializing in the foot and ankle.
  • Achilles Surgery.
  • Arthritis Surgery.
  • Cyst Removal.
  • Heel Surgery.
  • Nerve Surgery (Neuroma)

Do podiatrists cut toenails?

In most cases, yes; they regularly assist patients with toenail care. While cutting toenails may seem like a simple matter of grooming, there are actually many patients who have problems with their toenails or feet that prevent them from cutting them without professional help.

Do podiatrists treat Achilles tendonitis?

Initially, the podiatrist may treat the Achilles tendonitis by putting heel lifts into the patient’s shoes. In addition, the patient may be asked to avid barefoot walking or walking in low-heeled shoes.

Is podiatry a dying field?

Podiatry is not a dying field and I can’t see it ever dying especially with a huge diabetic population. If you’ve shadowed enough, you’ll realize that podiatrists are VERY good at what they do. Yes, other people can do some of the things we do, but we are the best at everything foot and ankle related.

Is a doctor of podiatry a real doctor?

However, podiatrists are not medical doctors. They will instead receive four years of education at a podiatric medical school before performing another three or four years of residency training. The sphere of the treatment they provide is limited only to the ankle and foot areas.

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How long is podiatry residency?

Currently, the majority of podiatric residency programs are three years in length. After completing their residencies, foot and ankle surgeons may receive additional training in specific areas of foot and ankle surgery through fellowships.

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