The foot is one of the most complex parts of the skeletal system with 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. Your foot alone contains almost 25% of all bones in your body.
Both orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care. If you have a problem with your foot or ankle, you may be wondering who you should see for treatment. How can you determine who is best for you?
Conveniently, the new Foot and Ankle Centerof Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians in Dedham brings together orthopaedic and podiatric experts all under one roof. Here, our specialists collaborate on your care to give you a more complete diagnosis and access to a wider range of treatments.
Read below for an overview of each specialty.
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedics is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases in your musculoskeletal system. After postgraduate orthopaedic residency training, foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons complete an additional year of training for advanced foot and ankle reconstruction.
Some common conditions treated by foot and ankle orthopaedic specialists include:
- Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis
- Broken bones, stress fractures and sprains
- Osteoarthritis
- Ligament tears
- Lisfranc injury (midfoot injury to ligaments and bones)
- Metatarsalgia foot pain (ball of your foot)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Plantar fibroma and fibromatosis (benign nodules on the bottom of your foot)
“Because some foot and ankle problems originate from your knee, hip or lower back, orthopaedic surgeons will treat complex lower extremity conditions in conjunction with the rest of your body,” says John Kwon, MD, Chief of BIDMC’s Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Podiatry
From day one of podiatric medical school and residency, a podiatrist’s emphasis is on the foot and ankle. “Podiatrists provide care for bones, soft tissues and joints of the foot and ankle, but also the skin conditions and abnormal mechanics of the lower extremity,” says John Giurini, DPM, Chief of the Division of Podiatric Surgery at BIDMC.
Conditions commonly treated by podiatrists include:
- Arthritis, instability, pain, joint diseases
- Calluses and ingrown toenails
- Chronic wounds associated with diabetes or other illnesses
- Deformities of the feet (bunions, hammertoes)
- Fallen arches
- Heel pain, bone spurs, neuromas and plantar fasciitis
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.
The new Foot and Ankle Center of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians in Dedham brings leading experts in orthopaedic surgery and podiatry to your community. The center is staffed with specialists from both specialties delivering more complete diagnosis and treatment for your condition.
Learn more about the Foot and Ankle Center.
FAQs
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.
What type of doctor is best for foot surgery? ›
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.
Should a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon do bunion surgery? ›
They are used to reduce pain, prevent the need for surgery, and keep the bunion from coming back after surgery. Podiatric surgeons, therefore, are more specialized and detailed in the treatment of bunions, as the foot and ankle are their specialty. To learn more about bunions, click here for a list of articles.
What's the difference between a podiatrist and a podiatric surgeon? ›
Whilst a podiatrist is not medically trained and therefore not a doctor, extensive postgraduate training enables podiatrists to perform foot surgery. Podiatric Surgeons are highly specialised only operating on the foot rather like a dental surgeon who will only treat your mouth.
Why do doctors choose podiatry? ›
Studying podiatric medicine is the first step towards a great life. Most podiatric physicians choose podiatric medicine for its direct patient experience, work-life balance in a surgical specialty and the income potential in a healthcare occupation.
Should you let a podiatrist do surgery? ›
A podiatrist is probably more inclined to try to treat conditions conservatively and would likely recommend a surgical approach only if other methods have not been successful. In fact, some podiatrists do not do surgery or are not trained in the latest surgical techniques.
What is the downside to foot surgery? ›
Occasionally small nerves around the cut in your skin (the incision) can be damaged, leading to patches of numbness. There can be complications during surgery, for example swelling, stiffness or infection.
Who is the best orthopedic foot surgeon in the United States? ›
Dr. Alan MacGill, Named One of U.S.'s Top Foot & Ankle Surgeons in 2020 by BECKER'S - Spine & Orthopedic Center.
What is the success rate of foot surgery? ›
Life after flat foot surgery can be a game-changer. With success rates ranging from 80% to 98%, this surgery has the potential to alleviate pain and restore function. Here's what you can expect: You can expect to resume moderate activities within several months.
Can a podiatrist fix a bunion without surgery? ›
Unfortunately, there is no way to correct bunions without surgery. However, mild bunions that do not cause pain or discomfort may not affect the quality of life or other elements of good health. In short, if you have a bunion and it's painful, you should see a podiatrist to discuss your options, including surgery.
The short answer is, yes, bunions can and sometimes do reoccur after surgery, especially if that surgery is the type where the protruding bone of the bunion has been only shaved down.
Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist for Achilles tendonitis? ›
If you're experiencing Achilles tendonitis, you should definitely seek the assistance of a professional podiatrist who is trained to understand the causes and remedies for this discomfort.
Is it better to go to a podiatrist or orthopedist? ›
When choosing between a podiatrist and an orthopedist, it's a simple answer; go to the doctor that does it all! Podiatrists are thorough, are trained to treat every type of foot and lower extremity no matter what body system is involved.
Which doctor is best for feet? ›
As a general rule, if foot pain is your only issue, a podiatrist is a great choice. If you have pain all throughout your body, such as the neck and back, you should see an orthopedic doctor. If you can find a doctor that is trained in both orthopedics and podiatry, that is much better in the long run.
What is higher than a podiatrist? ›
The truth is that foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons have the most comprehensive training available for nonsurgical treatment options and have the highest level of qualifications to diagnose the root cause of any foot or ankle problem.
Should I go to a podiatrist or orthopedist for a broken toe? ›
Common signs of a broken toe include the inability to walk, throbbing, bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness, or the toe appears crooked. While the toe bones are small, and a broken toe may seem minor, any toe fracture should be looked at by a podiatrist.
Which doctor to see for foot injuries? ›
Podiatrists treat conditions either through conservative or surgical methods, including ankle sprains, fractures, tendonitis, ingrown toenails, calluses, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. They are also trained to fit orthotics, custom shoes, and various foot/leg braces.
Do podiatrists deal with broken feet? ›
Foot and ankle fractures are a common problem, especially as you get older. Bones become more brittle, and you are less flexible than you once were. Foot and ankle fractures can also be debilitating, keeping you from your active life. You want to heal as quickly as possible, and for that, you need a podiatrist.
Can a podiatrist help with knee pain? ›
Some common examples of knee pain treated and managed by a podiatrist can include: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – Excessive pronation of the feet can cause the knees to rotate internally which moves both legs into more of a 'knock-kneed' position. This can cause the knee cap tendon to pull in the wrong direction.
