Podiatrist vs. Orthopedist: Which Specialist Is Right for You?

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. This is a medical specialty for diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the ankles and feet. 

Training and Education

Accredited medical schools educate and train podiatrists. They provide specialized training on the complexities of the ankle and foot and conditions affecting these parts of the body. 

The curriculum at podiatry school includes anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the foot and ankle. Also included are clinical rotations for podiatrists in training to learn about conditions affecting these body parts. The course provides podiatrists with a thorough understanding of the specialized features of the foot and ankle and their effects on lower limb health. 

This specialized training distinguishes a podiatrist from general practitioners or primary care physicians. 

What Problems Do Podiatrists Treat?

Common Foot and Ankle Issues

• Ingrown toenails

• Bunions

• Hammertoe

• Corns

• Arthritis in the foot and ankle

• Plantar fasciitis

• Heel bursitis and heel pain

• Achilles tendonitis

• Morton’s neuroma

• Foot and ankle injuries such as sports injuries, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendon rupture

• Foot and ankle fractures such as toe fractures or dislocations, Lisfranc fractures, talus fractures, fifth metatarsal fractures, or Jones fracture

• Diabetic foot problems

• Skin conditions and ulcers of the feet and toes

• Foot odor

• Discolored toenails or skin on feet

Find out: What Are The 4 Types of Athlete’s Foot?

Special Procedures Performed by Podiatrists

• Minor surgeries like toenail removal and excision of ingrown toenail

• Bunion surgery

• Hammer toe surgery

• Foot and ankle surgery for painful bone spurs

• Neuroma surgery

• Fusion procedures for painful arthritic conditions of the feet and ankles

Education and Counseling

Specialists in podiatric medicine or podiatry provide treatment of acute conditions affecting the feet and ankles as well as management of chronic diseases such as arthritis. 

In addition to addressing the patient’s immediate concerns, podiatrists also play an extended role in patient education. They provide counseling on proper foot care to avoid problems in the future. Therefore, podiatrists play a vital role in ensuring the overall health of the feet and ankles. 

Podiatrists often collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care, including gait analysis, rehabilitation, and physical therapy exercises to improve a patient’s foot and ankle condition.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should see a podiatrist (foot and ankle doctor) for any abnormal pain or problems with your feet, ankles, or lower limbs, including:

• Foot conditions such as ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, foot and toe fractures, and foot complications related to diabetes

• Ankle conditions such as ankle arthritis, bone spurs, heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, ruptured Achilles tendon, ankle sprains, and ankle fractures 

If you're unsure if you need to see a podiatrist, you can start by making an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP), who can treat the more simple problems regarding your feet and ankles. Based on the initial evaluation, your PCP may refer you to a podiatrist for more complex cases. 

Depending on the health insurance plan, a referral from your PCP may be necessary to see a specialist (such as a podiatrist). You can call your health insurance's customer service line to find out if you need a referral to see a podiatrist.

Read next: Heel Spur vs. Plantar Fasciitis: What’s the Difference?

What is an Orthopedist?

Orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors and surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical procedures for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions throughout the body. Their role includes non-surgical interventions, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and preventive care. Some orthopedists specialize in treating selective areas, such as the feet and ankles. 

Orthopedic Doctor vs Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic doctors and orthopedic surgeons are both specialists in the musculoskeletal system. However, an orthopedic surgeon specializes in and is trained to perform ankle and foot surgery. In contrast, an orthopedic doctor or orthopedist is a medical doctor who can diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal conditions using non-surgical methods.

Training and Education

Orthopedists earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. They undergo intensive medical training and opt for a residency program in orthopedic medicine or orthopedic surgery. The thorough training gives them a deep understanding of the body’s musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This rigorous training enables orthopedists to diagnose and treat diseases of the bones, joints, and soft tissues. 

What Do Orthopedic Doctors Treat?

Orthopedists specialize in treating a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis, muscle injuries like rotator cuff injuries, muscle strains, and sprains, nerve problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament injuries, bone fractures, herniated discs in the spine, and scoliosis.

Special Procedures

Orthopedic surgeons perform complex surgical procedures such as ligament reconstruction, minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, joint replacements, fracture repairs, decompression and stabilization surgeries on the spine, hand and wrist surgeries, and complex foot and ankle surgeries. 

When to See an Orthopedist or Orthopedic Surgeon

You should see an orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon for:

• Pain (lasting more than a few days or that worsens during rest), stiffness, swelling, bruising, or weakness in the muscles or joints in any part of your body.

• Decreased range of motion (difficulty moving) or instability while standing or walking.

• Bone or soft tissue injuries or infections (a combination of heat, inflammation, fever or redness can be signs of an infection).

• Visible deformities in the bones or joints.

Key Differences Between Podiatrists and Orthopedists

Training and Certification

Podiatrists

• Attend an accredited podiatric medical school for a specialty in the foot and ankle.

• Earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree.

• Undergo specialized training in foot and ankle anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.

• Complete a residency program and clinical rotations specific to podiatric care.

• Become board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

Orthopedists

• Attend an accredited medical school with a specialty in orthopedic medicine.

• Earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

• Undergo intensive training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems throughout the body.

• Complete a residency program and clinical rotations in orthopedics that cover the whole musculoskeletal system.

• Become board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

Scope of Practice and Areas of Specialization

Podiatrists

• Focus on the feet and ankles.

• Treat foot and ankle conditions, including performing minor surgical interventions.

• Perform minor surgical procedures on the feet and ankles (podiatric surgeon).

• Educate patients on biomechanics, preventive care, and overall lower extremity health.

Orthopedists

• Focus on the entire musculoskeletal system.

• Treat musculoskeletal problems in any part of the body.

• Offer both non-surgical and surgical interventions for musculoskeletal issues.

Approach to Treatment 

Podiatrists

• Treat foot problems like corns, bunions, and ingrown toenails.

• Manage chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetic foot complications.

• Use medications to manage foot and ankle symptoms.

• Prescribe orthotic devices to decrease pain and improve foot and ankle function.

• Conduct minor surgeries and procedures on the feet and ankles. 

Orthopedists

• Treat musculoskeletal problems throughout the body, including the spine and upper limbs. 

• Prescribe medications to manage musculoskeletal symptoms such as pain and swelling.

• Treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscle injuries, joint deformities, broken bones, and ligament tears, with surgical and non-surgical approaches.

• Offer surgical care for complex lower extremity conditions and foot and ankle disorders, such as ankle replacement with an artificial joint.

Conditions Treated by Both Podiatrists and Orthopedists

Podiatrists, orthopedists, and sports medicine specialists can treat conditions such as:

• Stress fractures in the foot and ankle

• Injuries like ankle sprains and strains 

• Joint issues or arthritis in the ankle or foot

• Sports injuries in athletes affecting the foot or ankle

• Rehabilitation and physical therapy during recovery from foot and ankle injuries 

Common Foot and Ankle Conditions: Who to Consult?

Should a Podiatrist Or Orthopedic Surgeon Do Bunion Surgery?

Both a podiatrist and orthopedic surgeon can perform bunion surgery, but a podiatrist is the better choice because they specialize in conditions of the foot and ankle.

What is the Best Doctor for Foot Issues?

A podiatrist is the best doctor for most foot issues because they specialize in foot and ankle care. An orthopedic surgeon or orthopedic doctor broadly focuses on the musculoskeletal system as a whole and may not have the same level of expertise in ankle- or foot-related issues.

Is It Better To Go To a Podiatrist or Orthopedist?

It depends. If you have foot or ankle symptoms and no other significant musculoskeletal issues, it is best to see a podiatrist as they specialize in foot and ankle care. If you have musculoskeletal issues in a part of the body other than the feet and ankles, it is best to see an orthopedist as they treat a wider range of musculoskeletal concerns throughout the body.

Should I See a Podiatrist or Orthopedist for Achilles Tendonitis?

You should see a podiatrist for Achilles tendonitis because they are doctors who specialize in treating foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists are well-equipped to diagnose and manage this condition. However, if you have particularly severe Achilles tendon issues or other musculoskeletal complications, an orthopedic surgeon might be the better choice.

Podiatrist vs Orthopedist: Making an Informed Decision

Evaluate Your Symptoms

The choice between a podiatrist vs orthopedist will be largely dictated by your symptoms. For example, if you have low back pain or wrist stiffness, an orthopedist is the best doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, if your symptoms are restricted to your foot or ankle, a podiatrist can provide more specialized care. If foot and ankle problems originate higher up your leg, again, an orthopedist can provide more comprehensive care.

Consult Your Primary Care Physician

If you are unsure whether to consult a podiatrist or orthopedist, your primary care physician can provide guidance. They can make an initial assessment and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Consider Expertise and Proximity

For foot or ankle problems, the choice between an orthopedist vs podiatrist may come down to the availability of experts in your area. For example, if there is an orthopedist located just 5 miles away from your home, it may make more sense to see this doctor rather than a podiatrist located 50 miles away, even though the latter may offer more specialized care for your problems.

Insurance and Treatment Costs

Another factor to take into account when choosing between podiatry vs orthopedics is insurance coverage and treatment costs. Check with your health insurance plan for in-network podiatrists vs orthopedists in your area and compare the cost of consultations and treatment.