FAQ: What Is The Difference Between A Podiatrist And An Orthopedist?

Do I need a podiatrist or an 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 foot problems?

Both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, surgically and non-surgically. In general, the best bet is to choose the doctor you feel the most comfortable with, or who has the most experience treating your particular condition.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 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)

What part of the body does an orthopedic doctor treat?

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system – the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are so essential to movement and everyday life. With more than 200 bones in the human body, it’s an in-demand specialty.

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Should I see my primary doctor for foot pain?

If you regularly experience sore, tired, aching or swollen feet, it may be time to see a doctor. Foot pain may be caused by a variety of factors from arthritis to poorly fitting shoes to plantar fasciitis. Sometimes foot pain can indicate an underlying medical condition like diabetes that needs to be addressed.

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.

How do I know if my foot pain is serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

  1. Have severe pain or swelling.
  2. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus.
  3. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C)
  4. Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.

How Much Does seeing a podiatrist cost?

HAVE A FOOT PROBLEM? TALK TO A PODIATRIST BOOK NOW

Consultation Consultation Fee
Initial ingrown toenail treatment without local anaesthetic $85
Initial ingrown toenail treatment with local anaesthetic $120
Biomechanical Assessment
Visual Gait Analysis, footwear assessment, assessment for orthotic therapy $120

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Is Podiatry covered by health insurance?

While podiatry surgery is covered under your hospital policy, podiatry care can be covered in a comprehensive extras plan. Cover can be found on a mid to high level policy but with this, you’ll receive a rebate on podiatry appointments outside of the hospital.

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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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