FAQ: What Is The Difference Between A Podiatrist And Orthopedist?
Contents
- 1 Do I need a podiatrist or an orthopedist?
- 2 What kind of doctor do I see for foot pain?
- 3 DO orthopedic doctors treat feet?
- 4 What conditions can Podiatrists treat?
- 5 Do podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis?
- 6 What does a podiatrist do on first visit?
- 7 Should I see my primary doctor for foot pain?
- 8 Why do my feet hurt so bad I can barely walk?
- 9 How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
- 10 Can an orthopedic doctor treat plantar fasciitis?
- 11 What is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle specialist?
- 12 What is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle surgeon?
- 13 How Much Does seeing a podiatrist cost?
- 14 Do podiatrists cut toenails?
- 15 Why should I see a podiatrist?
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.
What kind of doctor do 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.
DO orthopedic doctors treat feet?
Both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, surgically and non-surgically.
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 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.
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.
Why do my feet hurt so bad I can barely walk?
See your podiatrist if the pain persists “ Do not walk through pain.” You may have a condition such as bone spurs or plantar fasciitis. Bone spurs are a form of outgrowth, and plantar fasciitis is the result of damage or tearing in ligaments of the heel. Fallen arches can also contribute to your foot pain.
How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Have severe pain or swelling.
- Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus.
- 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)
- Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.
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 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.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle 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.
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 |
17
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.
Why should I 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.