Often asked: Podiatrist Or Orthopedist Who Laser Instead Of Surgery?

Is it better to see 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.

Can a podiatrist perform ankle surgery?

Podiatrists or foot doctors most commonly treat foot and ankle fractures or sprains, which include performing ankle surgery. For example, if a patient has chronic ankle instability, then lateral ankle ligament repair or reconstruction may be needed.

DO orthopedic doctors treat feet?

Both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, surgically and non-surgically.

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.

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.

Does a podiatrist perform surgery?

Podiatrists can do surgery, reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, and order lab tests or X-rays. They often work closely with other specialists when a problem affects your feet or lower legs. In the U.S., podiatrists are licensed and regulated by state governments.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle surgeon?

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 surgeon?

Podiatrists attend podiatry school and typically complete a brief residency thereafter. 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.

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)

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 a foot and ankle specialist called?

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

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 causes a painful heel when walking?

Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.

Can foot pain be neurological?

Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.