We often talk with patients unsure whether they should see a podiatrist or an orthopedist for their foot and ankle problems. We feel it is important to offer some insight on this topic for our patients and prospective patients because knowing which specialist to see can make a significant difference in your treatment experience and outcome. While both professionals are qualified to treat these conditions, a podiatrist’s focused foot and ankle health training often makes them the ideal choice.
Orthopedic foot doctor vs podiatrist – what’s the difference?
A doctor of podiatric medicine and an orthopedist are both types of medical doctors, meaning they’re board-certified by their respective institutions to diagnose and manage conditions of the foot and ankle, such as foot pain, flat feet, sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries. They can offer conservative options, including preventative care like physical therapy or surgical treatments.
The main difference between podiatrists and orthopedic doctors is their training and focus areas.
- Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists. Their entire education and residency training focuses on understanding the complexities of the musculoskeletal system of the foot and ankle, giving them deep, specialized knowledge of this area. They excel at foot-related issues, such as arch problems, bunions, corns, heel spurs, and ingrown toenails, usually offering conservative treatments before recommending surgery.
- Orthopedists train to treat the entire musculoskeletal system. Although they may eventually specialize in the bones and joints of the foot and ankle, their foundational training covers all body areas.
Because of this, orthopedic doctors are often sought after for treating complex lower extremity conditions involving the foot, ankle, and other body areas, such as the hips or lower back.
In short, if you have specific ankle or foot conditions, a foot doctor, such as a podiatrist, brings a level of expertise that is difficult to match.
How does their training in foot and ankle care differ?
One of the most significant advantages of seeing a podiatrist for foot and ankle concerns is their targeted training.
Education and residency for podiatrists
Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists who practice solely foot and ankle care. They undergo four years of podiatric medical school and focus solely on foot and ankle health.
Their podiatry education mirrors traditional medical schools, specifically emphasizing foot and ankle anatomy, biomechanics, and conditions. Because podiatrists have their own schools and professional associations, they are doctors of podiatric medicine, DPMs, instead of MDs.
Following their education, a currently trained podiatrist will perform three years of residency, often involving orthopedic training but also studying preventative foot and ankle care, diagnosis, and treatment. Many podiatrists pursue an additional one-year fellowship training for even more specialized expertise to focus on complex or advanced foot and ankle cases.
Since the University Foot and Ankle Institute is a teaching practice, podiatric graduates worldwide have applied to our advanced fellowship program for the last ten years.
Training for orthopedists
Orthopedists complete four years of medical school and a five-year residency focused on the musculoskeletal system, including the body’s bones, soft tissues, joints, and tendons. This five-year post-medical school training includes a surgical residency and four years of orthopedic surgery training.
While orthopedic surgeons may receive training in foot and ankle procedures, their education covers the entire body. General orthopedic surgeons may select to perform an additional year of fellowship training in foot and ankle. At this point, an orthopedist will learn the details of foot and ankle care complexities that podiatrists have during their training.
Still, it’s not uncommon for multiple specialists to care for a specific body part. For example, plastic and orthopedic hand surgeons perform hand surgery, and neurosurgeons and orthopedic back specialists perform back surgery. This is also the case for foot and ankle care, where orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists treat the foot and ankle.
Podiatrist vs orthopedist, who should you pick for foot and ankle issues?
We often note that foot and ankle procedures are like basic carpentry. We cut bones and fix bones, ligaments, and tendons with screws, plates, and anchors. Surgical treatment is similar among orthopedists and podiatrists. There are good surgeons in every field.
However, a podiatrist’s extensive, specialized training is often the best choice if you have specific concerns about the foot and ankle rather than the lower leg, hip, or back.
A podiatrist’s training and practice revolve entirely around foot and ankle conditions. From routine issues like ingrown toenails and plantar fasciitis to more complex concerns like bunions or an ankle injury, podiatrists are prepared to address the unique anatomy and mechanics of the foot.
They often approach foot and ankle-related conditions conservatively, working with physical therapists, using orthotics, or trying lifestyle changes before foot and ankle surgery. However, should surgery be needed, podiatrists are skilled in various surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures and complex reconstructive surgeries. Because they exclusively operate on the foot and ankle, they have extensive experience in the latest surgical methods tailored to these areas.
In addition to acute problems or injuries, podiatrists often treat chronic conditions specific to the foot, such as Morton’s neuroma and heel spurs. They have the expertise to manage ongoing issues like diabetic foot care, where their knowledge of foot health can be crucial in preventing complications.
What common conditions are best treated by a podiatrist?
While both podiatrists and orthopedists can treat foot and ankle conditions, a podiatrist’s specialized training makes them particularly well-suited for conditions such as:
- Bunions and hammertoes: Podiatrists are skilled in non-surgical and surgical treatments for these common foot deformities, helping patients regain comfort and function.
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis: Podiatrists, with their in-depth understanding of foot mechanics, offer effective, customized treatments for heel pain, from conservative therapies to more advanced interventions if necessary.
- Diabetic foot care: Diabetic patients often have unique foot care needs that podiatrists are specially trained to manage, reducing the risk of complications such as ulcers and infections.
- Sports injuries: Many podiatrists are experienced in treating sports injuries specific to the foot and ankle, including sprains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendon issues, with treatments that support active recovery.
Finding the right doctor for your needs
When choosing a foot and ankle doctor, whether a podiatrist or orthopedist, it’s important to lock into the doctor’s reputation and experience, specifically in foot and ankle care. You must feel comfortable with them equally, as you’ll spend time together before treatment and during ongoing management or recovery.
You deserve a skilled provider who is also someone you trust and can rely on, especially if any complications arise.
Ultimately, choose a foot and ankle specialist based on their expertise and approach, not just their title. Please ensure they’re accessible, communicative, and someone you genuinely like.
Why a UFAI podiatrist is the best choice for your foot & ankle health
Our doctors’ targeted expertise allows them to provide effective, patient-centered care for various foot and ankle conditions, from everyday concerns to complex surgical needs. If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, our nationally recognized foot and ankle specialists can offer the most advanced podiatric care. We are leaders in researching, diagnosing, and treating all foot and ankle conditions.
For more information or to schedule a consultation in the greater Los Angeles area, please call (877) 736-6001 or make an appointment now.
University Foot and Ankle Institute is conveniently located throughout Southern California, with podiatry clinics in (or near) Santa Monica (on Wilshire Blvd.), Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, the San Fernando Valley, Manhattan Beach, the South Bay, LAX, Westlake Village, Valencia, Santa Clarita, and Santa Barbara.
Podiatrist or Orthopedist for Foot Pain and Ankle Problems FAQs
Podiatrist vs orthopedist for plantar fasciitis?
A podiatrist is often the best choice because they specialize exclusively in foot and ankle care and offer targeted expertise in non-surgical treatments, such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, and effective injections, for this condition.
While an orthopedist can treat plantar fasciitis, their broader training in whole-body bone and joint issues may give them less specialized knowledge than a podiatrist.
Podiatrist vs orthopedic surgeon for foot surgery?
Both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons can excel at foot surgery for various conditions. A podiatrist is typically well-suited for this procedure, especially if it involves soft tissue or minor reconstructive work in the foot and ankle.
Podiatrists complete extensive surgical training in this specific area, giving them a deep understanding of foot mechanics and recovery protocols.
What credentials should a podiatrist have?
A qualified podiatrist should hold a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited podiatric medical school, a two to three-year residency in podiatric medicine and surgery, and be licensed to practice in their state. For specialized expertise, you can also look for a podiatrist who has pursued board certification in areas like podiatric surgery or orthopedics.
Sources
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
https://www.aaos.org/
American Orthopaedic Association
https://www.aoassn.org/
American Podiatric Medical Association.
https://www.apma.org/about-apma/governance/who-we-are/
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