Often asked: What Is A Podiatric Orthopedist?

Is it better to see a podiatrist or orthopedist?

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.

DO orthopedic doctors treat feet?

Both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, surgically and non-surgically.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a podiatric surgeon?

Podiatrists attend podiatry school and typically complete a brief residency thereafter. As such, podiatrists are not medical doctors (MDs). While orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists both may treat foot and ankle problems, the orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon is qualified to address a more complex level of problems.

What does a podiatric surgeon do?

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), known also as a podiatric physician or surgeon, qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. When treating patients, this system is also known as the lower extremity.

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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 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 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)

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 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.

Are podiatrists good surgeons?

Podiatrists are able to treat disorders conservatively as well as surgically. A podiatrist is probably more inclined to try to treat conditions conservatively and would likely recommend a surgical approach only if other methods have not been successful.

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Is a foot and ankle surgeon different than a podiatrist?

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.

How long does it take to become a podiatric surgeon?

How Long It Takes to Become a Podiatrist and What’s Required to Practice. Podiatry is a career path that requires a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from an accredited podiatry school, and earning this degree typically takes four years.

Where do podiatrists get paid the most?

Below is a list of the top-10 highest – paying states for podiatrists:

  • Minnesota average podiatrist salary: $184,280.
  • Arkansas average podiatrist salary: $183,190.
  • Indiana average podiatrist salary: $182,030.
  • Illinois average podiatrist salary: $180,270.
  • West Virginia average podiatrist salary: $175,530.

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.

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