“Should I See a Podiatrist or an Orthopedist?”
Your foot or ankle hurts. You’ve done the “Rest, Ice, Compression” routine, and the pain is still there. You know it’s time to see a specialist, and that’s when you hit the first major hurdle:
Do you book an appointment with a podiatrist or an orthopedist?
It’s a very common question. Both are highly trained medical professionals, but their focus and expertise differ significantly. Choosing the right one is the most important first step to getting a fast, accurate diagnosis and a specialized treatment plan. In the following blog, the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute will explain differences, similarities, and more.
What is a Podiatrist (D.P.M.)?
A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), is a medical specialist who has dedicated their entire career to care of the foot and ankle.
- They are the primary specialists for any issue in this part of the body, from a simple ingrown nail to a complex ankle reconstruction.
What is an Orthopedist (M.D.)?
An orthopedist, or orthopedic surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the entire musculoskeletal system. This is a much BROADER field!
- Because their field is so vast, many orthopedists choose to sub-specialize.
- For example, you might see an orthopedic spine surgeon or a joint replacement specialist who focuses only on hips and knees.
Start with the Specialist!
You should see a PODIATRIST for:
- Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis): This is the podiatrist’s “bread and butter.” They are experts at diagnosing the root mechanical cause of your heel pain.
- Bunions & Hammertoes: These are complex biomechanical deformities, not just “bumps.” A podiatrist is the specialist to treat them conservatively or surgically.
- Ingrown Toenails: Do NOT go to an urgent care. A podiatrist can treat this safely, effectively, and with minimal pain in one visit.
- Skin & Nail Issues: This includes toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, plantar warts, corns, and calluses.
- Nerve Pain: Symptoms like burning, tingling, or numbness, which could be a neuroma or neuropathy.
- Flat Feet or High Arches: A podiatrist is the expert in biomechanics and will prescribe true custom orthotics (not a shoe insert) to correct the problem.
- Most Foot & Ankle Injuries: This includes ankle injuries, stress fractures, and most sports-related foot injuries.
Honestly, for almost any problem from the ankle down, a podiatrist should be your first call.
As specialists, they can provide a complete range of care, from orthotics to advanced, minimally invasive surgery.
Start with the Specialist!
For foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist is the most qualified, experienced, and specialized doctor you can see. If your foot, heel, or ankle hurts, don’t spend another day guessing. Schedule an appointment with us instead! We can provide a definitive diagnosis and a complete treatment plan to get you back on your feet, pain-free.
Like Dr. Michaels Says:
“If it’s below the knee, think of me!”
The Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute offers comprehensive podiatric services, so call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.
