It’s not unusual to get diseases or suffer injuries in your feet or ankles. After all, they experience a lot of stress, especially if you have an active lifestyle. So, who do you go to for help with foot and ankle problems: a podiatrist or an orthopedist?
Both medical specializations can deal with foot-related issues but differ in their focus. Let’s look at what sets these two fields apart and who you need to call for your foot and ankle problems.
What Is A Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor specializing in foot and ankle care. Podiatrists are experts on the vascular, neurological, dermatological, and musculoskeletal systems of the foot and ankle. They employ conservative and surgical treatments for foot-related problems. A foot doctor can help with the following foot conditions:
- Arch problems
- Bone disorders
- Bunions
- Corns
- Cysts and tumors
- Hammertoes
- Heel spurs
- Ingrown toenails
- Infections
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Ulcers
Additionally, podiatrists may also team up with other doctors to treat more complex health issues. Podiatrists often contribute to diabetic foot care, since diabetes can cause damage to your lower limbs due to poor blood circulation.
What Is An Orthopedist?
Similar to podiatrists, orthopedists can treat problems involving the ankle and foot. However, orthopedists cover general musculoskeletal care. They concern themselves with the bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints not only in the foot and ankle but the whole body.
Unlike podiatrists that only treat the foot and ankle, an orthopedic doctor also treats other body parts such as the knees, hips, and spine. If podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors, orthopedists are bone and joint specialists.
Orthopedists can treat various musculoskeletal issues. These problems can be sports injuries, joint pains, back pains, and even congenital conditions. Orthopedists typically handle medical conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Back and neck pain
- Hip pain
- Shoulder pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Sports injuries, such as tendinitis and meniscus tears
- Clubfoot
- Scoliosis
The usual treatments orthopedists employ may include physical therapy, medications, exercise programs, acupuncture, mobility aids, and injections. If none of these treatment methods work, orthopedists may recommend surgery for more complicated issues.
How Do You Choose Between A Podiatrist And An Orthopedist?
Upon noticing pain and discomfort in your lower limbs, you might want to have it checked by a specialist to diagnose the cause. The general guideline to follow when you experience a foot or ankle problem is to reach out to a podiatrist first. On the other hand, you should visit your orthopedist if you have any issues with other parts of your musculoskeletal system.
Although both specialists can treat foot and ankle conditions, it is best to get help from podiatrists for foot-related issues. Podiatrists have more specialized skills and training for foot and ankle health. They also manage the dermatology and biomechanics of this area, making them the better option for foot-related problems.
Expert Podiatrist in Naples, FL
Both podiatrists and orthopedists can help with foot and ankle conditions and protect your feet from injury. Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care. Conversely, orthopedists cater to general musculoskeletal problems. Although an orthopedist technically has studied foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist specializes in them. This specialization allows a podiatrist to better address issues unique to your foot and ankle.
If you’re looking for an experienced podiatrist in Naples, Florida, visit the Joint Replacement Institute. Our team offers expert treatment for all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. Jamie Weaver, a board-certified foot and ankle doctor can diagnose, treat, and prevent all types of foot-related issues. She can provide personalized treatment to get you back and running in no time.
For more information about our podiatry and orthopedic services, call us at (239) 261-2663. You may also secure an appointment online. We look forward to getting you back on your feet!
