When you have a problem with your foot or ankle that needs medical attention, where do you go – to a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon? And does it make a difference?
To answer those questions, let’s first look at what each of these specialists do.
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), specifically a specialist whose focus is strictly on foot and ankle care. That includes treatment of such conditions as:
· Bunions
· Toe and hindfoot fractures
· Diabetic ulcers and wounds
· Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot)
· Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe)
· Flat feet
· Gout
· Toenail disease
· Heel spurs
· Athlete’s foot
· Corns
An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor (MD), specifically a specialist whose focus is on the care of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves throughout the body – including in the foot and ankle. In regard to the latter, that includes treatment of such conditions as:
· Achilles tendon tear and repair
· Ankle replacement and cartilage restoration
· Bunions
· Flat feet
· Plantar fasciitis
· Heel spurs
· Morton’s neuroma (nerve inflammation near the toes)
· Hammer toe, mallet toe, and claw toe deformities
· Stress fractures
· Toe fractures
· Hindfoot fractures
· Metatarsal (forefoot fracture)
As you can see, both podiatrists and orthopedists perform many of the same foot and ankle procedures. Both are highly trained and qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions both surgically and non-surgically. The only discernible difference between them is that an orthopedist manages parts of the foot and ankle that pertain to the bones, soft tissues and joints, while a podiatrist manages the same areas, but also the biomechanics and dermatology of the foot and ankle. For instance, a podiatrist is often an integral care provider for people with diabetes who have serious concerns about foot health.
So, who do you choose for diagnosis and treatment of your foot or ankle problem?
It often depends on your particular foot or ankle problem – and how comfortable you are with one doctor over another. But it’s a dilemma you don’t have to face at Colorado Center for Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs. That’s because our practice specializes in both podiatry and foot and ankle orthopedics.
Our board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Frederick Hainge is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating structural and biomechanical issues, wounds, toe and foot deformities, nerve pain, and much more.
Meanwhile, fellowship-trained Dr. John Shank and our team of orthopedic physicians help patients manage their foot and ankle conditions through reconstructive procedures, arthroscopic and open fusion surgeries, physical therapy, and other procedures. And it’s all done under one roof.
The Colorado Center for Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs regularly treats injuries to bones and joints, providing the best of care. If a foot or ankle injury or pain is cause for concern, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will quickly diagnose and treat the condition. Call us at (719) 623-1050 today for an appointment.
Foot and ankle care is a specialized field where both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons excel, offering distinct expertise. I can provide insight into each specialty based on their scope, training, and the specific conditions they address.
Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) who focus solely on foot and ankle care. Their training is exclusively dedicated to conditions concerning these areas. Podiatrists handle a wide array of issues, from bunions and fractures to diabetic ulcers and nail diseases. Their specialization extends beyond bones and soft tissues to encompass biomechanics and dermatology, making them vital for comprehensive foot health, particularly for patients with conditions like diabetes.
On the other hand, orthopedic surgeons, typically Medical Doctors (MDs), specialize in the musculoskeletal system, encompassing bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves throughout the body. While their expertise covers broader areas, they also specifically cater to foot and ankle conditions. Orthopedic surgeons treat similar foot and ankle problems, such as fractures, plantar fasciitis, and deformities, focusing on surgical and non-surgical interventions. Their emphasis lies in managing bone-related issues, soft tissues, and joint health.
Both professions share a considerable overlap in the conditions they treat, but the key distinction lies in the depth of focus within the foot and ankle domain. Podiatrists have a comprehensive grasp of biomechanics and dermatology, offering a holistic approach to foot health, while orthopedic surgeons specialize in bone-related complexities.
In the article, both specialists address common conditions like bunions, flat feet, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists specifically mention athlete’s foot, corns, and toenail diseases, showcasing their expertise in dermatological aspects. Orthopedic surgeons, meanwhile, emphasize Achilles tendon tears, nerve inflammations, and broader musculoskeletal interventions like ankle replacements and cartilage restoration.
For patients seeking care at facilities like the Colorado Center for Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, the advantage lies in having access to both podiatric and orthopedic expertise under one roof. This setup ensures comprehensive care, where a board-certified podiatric surgeon like Dr. Frederick Hainge addresses biomechanical issues, deformities, and nerve pain, while orthopedic physicians led by Dr. John Shank offer reconstructive surgeries, fusion procedures, and other interventions.
Ultimately, the choice between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon often depends on the specific condition, individual comfort, and the comprehensive nature of care required. The facility's specialization in both fields offers patients a distinct advantage in receiving well-rounded and integrated foot and ankle care tailored to their needs.
