FAQ: What Is Podiatric Orthopedics?

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.

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 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.

DO orthopedic doctors treat feet?

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

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.

Can Podiatrists perform surgery?

Podiatrists can do surgery, reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, and order lab tests or X-rays. They often work closely with other specialists when a problem affects your feet or lower legs. In the U.S., podiatrists are licensed and regulated by state governments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How many years does it take to become a podiatrist?

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.

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.

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.

Why do surgeons wear full suits for hip replacement?

SHSs are used during orthopedic procedures to decrease the patient’s risk of deep wound infection by keeping skin and other particles from the surgeon’s face from falling into the open surgical site.