Do You Need a Podiatrist or an Orthopedic Doctor? How to Decide

Foot and ankle pain can make daily life difficult. If walking causes discomfort or your condition worsens, you need to see the right specialist. However, choosing who to visit can be confusing. Should you see a podiatrist, or is an orthopedic doctor a better choice?

 

Both podiatrists and orthopedic doctors treat foot and ankle problems. However, their training, skills, and methods are different. Knowing these differences can help you choose the right professional for your needs.

 

In this blog, we will explore:

 

• Podiatrist vs. Orthopedic Specialist: There are specific credentials and qualifications that make podiatrists and orthopedic specialists distinct from one another.
• When to See a Specialist: Key symptoms that signify whether you should reach out to a podiatrist or orthopedic doctor include where and how your pain originated.
• Finding the Right Doctor: Reviewing your doctor’s credentials and seeking referrals can help you choose the right doctor for your specific needs.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a medical professional who focuses on caring for the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They treat many problems. This ranges from simple issues like ingrown toenails to more complicated conditions that affect how you move.

Training and Education

Podiatrists go to a special medical school for four years to learn about foot and ankle care. After that, they complete three years of training, called a residency, to focus on treating foot and ankle problems. Some podiatrists do extra training to become experts in different areas. This includes sports injuries, diabetic foot care, and children’s foot health.

 

Common conditions treated by podiatrists include bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and heel pain. They also handle corns and calluses, diabetic foot complications, wound care, and toenail disorders.

 

Podiatrists often use conservative treatments such as orthotics, physical therapy, and medication. They are also trained to perform surgical procedures on the foot and ankle, if necessary.

When to See a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle problems, and you should see them if you have:

• Ongoing heel pain, like plantar fasciitis
• Bunions, hammertoes, or corns that make walking difficult
• Nail or skin issues, like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or calluses
• Diabetic foot problems, like wounds, ulcers, or numbness
• Flat feet or other issues that might need custom shoe inserts or therapy

 

Podiatrists can also help you prevent foot problems. This is especially true if you have diabetes or a history of foot issues. Regular check-ups can help you avoid serious complications.

What is an Orthopedic Doctor?

An orthopedic doctor, or orthopedic surgeon, focuses on the musculoskeletal system. These medical professionals treat problems with bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. They care for the whole body, not just the feet and ankles.

Training and Education

Orthopedic doctors go to medical school. After that, they complete five years of training, called a residency, to learn about bone and joint care. Some also do extra training to focus on specific areas, like foot and ankle surgery or sports injuries.

 

Common conditions treated by orthopedic surgeons include:

• Traumatic injuries
• Arthritis affecting the foot, ankle, or other joints
• Tendon or ligament tears
• Joint deformities or abnormalities
• Sports-related injuries

 

Orthopedic surgeons are trained to use both non-surgical and surgical treatments. If surgery is needed, they can handle complex operations like replacing joints or rebuilding damaged areas.

When to See an Orthopedic Doctor

Orthopedic doctors are best for more serious or complex bone, muscle, or joint problems. This includes foot and ankle issues. You should see one if you have:

• Sudden injuries like broken bones, dislocations, sprains, or torn tendons
• Arthritis pain in your foot, ankle, or other joints
• Serious injuries that might need surgery or long-term care
• Repeated sports injuries that need a deeper look and correction
• Deformities or problems that may require surgery to fix

 

Orthopedic surgeons are a great choice if surgery is needed, more so for big injuries or advanced problems. They also look at how foot or ankle issues might affect other parts of your body.

How to Find the Best Podiatrist or Orthopedic Doctor

Taking the time to research can help you find a doctor who fits your needs and gives you the best care possible. Follow these steps to find the best orthopedic or foot and ankle specialist near you:

Check Their Credentials

Look for board certification, which demonstrates that they have met high standards in their field.

Read Reviews

Patient reviews can give you an idea of what to expect. Look at online ratings and read about the experiences other individuals have had with the doctor.

Ask for Referrals

Ask your primary care doctor, friends, or family if they recommend someone they have had a good experience with.

Consider Their Experience

Look for a doctor who has treated your specific issue before. For example, if you have a sports injury or arthritis, find a specialist with experience in those areas.

Check Their Communication Style

A good doctor will listen to your concerns and explain things in a way you can understand. This can make you feel more confident about your care.

Look at Location and Availability

Make sure the doctor’s office is convenient for you and that it is easy to get an appointment when you need one.

Podiatrist vs. Orthopedic Doctor in St. Peters, O’Fallon, & Wentzville, MO

With this understanding of podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons, you are better equipped to decide. Both professionals offer valuable expertise. However, selecting the right one depends on your specific medical needs. If you are dealing with a complex injury or musculoskeletal problem, an orthopedic doctor may help. Their training may be best suited for your care. For foot and ankle-specific issues, a podiatrist is likely the ideal choice.

 

At Advanced Bone and Joint, we take pride in offering comprehensive, specialized care to address your unique needs. Whether you require podiatry services or advanced orthopedic treatment, our team is here to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to us by calling (636) 241-9807 or using our online appointment request form.

 

The best foot doctor in O’Fallon, St. Peters, and Wentzville looks forward to serving you!

 

 

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/orthopedic-surgeon-orthopedist

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/podiatrist