Readers ask: Who Should Treat Ankle Injury Podiatrist Or Orthopedist?

Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist for ankle pain?

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 podiatrists treat ankle injuries?

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 ankle pain?

For foot and ankle care, podiatrists and orthopedists are both qualified medical specialists you can consult. The best choice is to go for a podiatrist who has extensive experience diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle disorders.

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.

What’s the difference between podiatrist and orthopedist?

Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work side by side in hospitals and in the same group practices. The main difference lies in the body systems they treat. Orthopedic surgeons are concerned with bones, muscles, ligaments and joints throughout the body. Podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors and surgeons.

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.

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.

When should I see an orthopedist for a sprained ankle?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.

How do I know if I tore ligaments in my ankle?

Symptoms: Signs of a ligament rupture of the ankle joint Some report a crunching or cracking noise. The first signs of a ligament tear are severe swelling and bruising. In a low ankle sprain, the bruise can track into the foot and the toes. A large swelling can appear on the outer side of your ankle.

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.

Why are my ankles stiff and painful?

They can get inflamed from arthritis, overuse, high-heeled shoes, recent footwear changes, or starting workouts again after time off. Your ankle may feel stiff, tender, warm, and swollen. The best treatment is RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Take anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the pain and swelling.

Can a podiatrist help with foot pain?

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who have been trained to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They also prevent and correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections.

Are foot doctors real doctors?

Podiatrists are doctors, but they don’t go to traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations. They also have “DPM” ( doctor of podiatric medicine) after their names instead of “MD” ( medical doctor ).

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 is a foot and ankle surgeon called?

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