Foot Doctor
By
By: Ehren Allen, PT, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
What is a Foot Doctor?
The quick answer is that a foot doctor or ankle doctor is a physician who specializes in evaluating and treating injuries and illness related to the foot and ankle. The foot has 26 bones which join together with 33 joints. There are numerous ligaments and tendons which must work properly to transmit the forces of the body’s weight. The foot and ankle contain a large amount or nerve receptors which transmit information concerning balance and position. The foot and ankle are the base of the body in standing. If they are not functioning properly, it can cause a chain reaction of issues throughout the legs and back.
Image of a Foot Doctor
This is why there are physicians who specialize in treating the foot and ankle. Minor foot and ankle issues may be evaluated and treated by a primary physician. More serious issues may require a referral to a foot and ankle orthopedic doctor.
JOI has 4 Board Certified Foot & Ankle Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Physicians. These are foot doctors who complete a specialized fellowship program with the foot and ankle.
To learn more about injuries of the foot and ankle, these videos may help!
What is the Difference between a Podiatrist and Orthopedist?
If there is a referral to a foot specialist, there is more than one option. Both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons can treat issues related to the foot and ankle. So, which do you choose?
Both podiatrists and orthopedists complete a 4 year undergraduate education. After this, A podiatrist attends 4 year of podiatric medical training, while and orthopedist attends 4 years of medical school. A podiatrist then completes a 3 to 4 year residency program. An Orthopedist completes a 5 year residency program. A podiatrist usually has the designation, “DPM” after their name. An Orthopedist usually has “MD” or “DO” after their name.
Both orthopedists and podiatrists treat injuries, mechanics, and musculoskeletal issues in the foot and ankle. This may include issues such as Plantar Fasciitis or Morton’s Neuroma. Both may perform surgery on the bone and tendons of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists also treat medical issues of the foot. This may include in-grown toe nails, diabetic neuropathy, or other vascular issues. An orthopedist does not typically treat these issues but they may address other joints and structures which may be affecting the mechanics of the foot and ankle.
Image of a painful foot
Should I see a Podiatrist or an Orthopedist?
There are great podiatrists and orthopedists who specialize in treating the foot and ankle. It is important to see a specialist with whom you feel comfortable and confident.
If your foot issues are related to the toe nails or your skin, a podiatrist is likely the best option. If the issues are more bone, joint, or tendon related, an orthopedist or podiatrist may be the best choice. An orthopedist may be the better choice to assess hip and knee issues which may be affecting the foot and ankle though.
To learn more about the meaning of Orthopedic Specialist, check out this link. JOI has 4 Board Certified Foot and Ankle Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeons at the Beach, South and San Marco.
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