Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon vs. Podiatrist: Who Should You See?

If you're dealing with foot or ankle pain from conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, or arthritis, your doctor may refer you to either an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon or a podiatrist. Both specialists are experts in foot and ankle care, but understanding their different training and approaches can help you make the best decision for your treatment.

Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO) who complete medical school, a five-year orthopaedic surgery residency, and are board certified, meaning they have passed rigorous exams to demonstrate their expertise. These surgeons also pursue further specialized training or a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery. They are equipped to handle a wide range of conditions, from routine deformities to complex injuries and arthritis.

At The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, our foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons treat conditions such as:

• Foot deformities: Including bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet, often corrected through surgery when conservative treatments aren’t effective.
• Fractures and dislocations: Injuries from accidents or sports that may require surgery to ensure proper healing.
• Tendon issues: Such as Achilles tendonitis or tears, often managed with surgical repair.
• Arthritis in the foot and ankle: Offering both surgical and non-surgical options to manage pain, improve mobility, and slow joint damage.
• Ligament injuries (e.g., ankle sprains): These common injuries may require surgery if they don’t respond to conservative care or become chronic.
• Ankle replacement surgery: For patients with severe arthritis or joint damage, orthopaedic surgeons may offer ankle replacement to restore function and relieve pain.
• Cartilage damage/repair: Addressing issues like cartilage degeneration or damage, often in athletes or those with osteoarthritis.

What sets orthopaedic surgeons apart is their broader training, which enables them to not only treat your foot and ankle issues but also consider how these conditions might affect other parts of the body, like the knees, hips, or spine. Patients may prefer orthopaedic surgeons when dealing with more severe injuries or degenerative conditions that may require advanced surgical techniques.

Podiatrists

Podiatrists, or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), complete four years of podiatric medical school followed by a three-year residency focused solely on foot and ankle care. While podiatrists are trained in both surgical and non-surgical treatments, at The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, our podiatrists focus primarily on non-surgical care. They collaborate closely with orthopaedic surgeons for cases that require surgical intervention.

Common conditions our podiatrists treat include:

• Plantar fasciitis: Managed with conservative treatments such as stretching exercises, orthotics, and non-surgical options.
• Nail care: Routine care for issues like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and other nail disorders.
• Diabetic foot care: Regular checkups and treatments to prevent complications such as ulcers and infections.
• Corns and calluses: Thickened areas of skin caused by friction or pressure, often managed through routine care, padding, and footwear adjustments.
• Warts (plantar warts): Viral infections on the bottom of the foot, typically treated with topical medications or other non-surgical methods.

Our podiatrists specialize in non-surgical management of chronic conditions and routine foot care, making them ideal for patients with long-term issues or those seeking regular care for foot health.

Which Specialist Should You Choose?

Deciding between a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon and a podiatrist depends on the nature of your condition. Consider the following factors:

• Routine Foot and Ankle Issues: Both specialists can effectively manage common conditions like foot deformities and plantar fasciitis. If surgery isn’t necessary, either can be a good option, though orthopaedic surgeons may offer additional expertise if surgery becomes required.
• Severe or Complex Cases: Orthopaedic surgeons are better suited for complex injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, that may require surgery. Their broader training in trauma care and reconstructive techniques can be crucial in these situations.
• Chronic Conditions or Non-Surgical Care: If you need ongoing care for conditions like diabetes, or you require custom orthotics for biomechanical issues, podiatrists excel at managing long-term, non-surgical treatments.

Ultimately, it comes down to your preference and comfort with the specialist you choose. Both our podiatrists and orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons at The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center are highly qualified and work together to provide you with the best care possible.

Whether your condition requires routine treatment or advanced surgical intervention, our team is here to guide you to the right specialist and ensure the best possible outcomes for your foot and ankle health.