Quick Answer: What Type Of Docor For Foot And Leg Pain?

What kind of doctor should I see for leg pain?

Orthopedic Specialists primarily deal with problems related to your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Below are some common leg pain issues treated by Orthopedic Specialists: Total Joint Replacement.

Should I go to 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.

What is a foot and leg doctor called?

Podiatrists are medical specialists who help with problems that affect your feet or lower legs. They can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. You might hear them called a podiatric physician or doctor of podiatric medicine.

When should you see a podiatrist?

If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc. —a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.

How do I know if my leg pain is serious?

Call for immediate medical help or go to an emergency room if you:

1. Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon.
2. Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg.
3. Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf.
4. Hear a popping or grinding sound at the time of a leg injury.

How do you stop leg pain fast?

If you have leg pain from cramps or overuse, take these steps first:

1. Rest as much as possible.
2. Elevate your leg.
3. Apply ice for up to 15 minutes. Do this 4 times per day, more often for the first few days.
4. Gently stretch and massage cramping muscles.
5. Take over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

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.

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.

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 type of doctor treats ankle problems?

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). A podiatrist has specialized training to treat disorders of the foot and ankle.

What’s the difference between podiatrist and chiropodist?

Podiatrists and chiropodists are both medical professionals specialised in the treatment of the lower limb. The difference between the names is geographical. While chiropodist describes foot specialists in the UK and Ireland, podiatrist originates in the United States and is more internationally recognised.

Does Medicare pay for a podiatrist?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers podiatrist ( foot doctor ), foot exams or treatment if you have diabetes-related nerve damage or need Medically necessary treatment for foot injuries or diseases, like hammer toe, bunion deformities, and heel spurs.

Who do you see about foot problems?

A podiatrist (chiropodist) can help you with common foot problems, including ingrown toenails and bunions.

When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?

See a podiatrist if you have foot pain or injury. Get urgent medical care if you have any of these symptoms for more than one or two days: severe pain. swelling.

What does a podiatrist do for your feet?

Podiatrists are experts at treating sprains, strains, and broken bones in the foot or the ankle. They can diagnose your injury and suggest treatment. A podiatrist can also create a flexible cast to help the area heal.