Key Takeaways
- Podiatrists focus only on the feet, ankles and lower legs, while orthopedists treat bones, joints and muscles throughout the whole body.
- Both types of specialists can treat many of the same foot and ankle problems, and both can perform surgery.
- A podiatrist is often the best first stop for heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care and other foot-only concerns.
- An orthopedist may be a better fit when foot or ankle pain is linked to problems in the knee, hip or spine, or after a major injury.
- Prima CARE has both podiatry and orthopedic surgery teams, plus primary care offices in Westport, so you can get the right care without guessing. Request an appointment to get started.
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What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM). According to Cleveland Clinic's article on what a podiatrist does, podiatrists examine, diagnose and treat problems that affect the feet, ankles and lower legs. They can also perform surgery.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison's overview of the podiatry career path explains that a DPM degree usually takes four years of podiatric medical school, followed by three years of medical and surgical residency.
What to Expect at a Podiatry Visit
Cleveland Clinic notes that a podiatrist will ask about your overall health, medicines and symptoms. They may watch how you stand and walk, which is called a gait assessment, and ask about the shoes you wear most.
What Is an Orthopedist?
An orthopedist, or orthopedic surgeon, is a medical doctor who treats the musculoskeletal system. That includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles anywhere in the body. Some orthopedists complete extra training focused on the foot and ankle.
Cleveland Clinic explains that orthopedists are surgeons, but they also offer nonsurgical treatments. It also notes that podiatrists and orthopedists often treat similar problems, and the right choice depends on your specific injury or condition.
Podiatrist vs. Orthopedist: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Podiatrist | Orthopedist |
|---|---|---|
| Area of focus | Feet, ankles and lower legs only | Bones, joints and muscles in the whole body |
| Degree | DPM (doctor of podiatric medicine) | MD or DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) |
| Performs surgery | Yes, on the foot and ankle | Yes, throughout the body |
| Common reasons to visit | Heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, diabetic foot care, custom orthotics | Complex fractures, joint replacement, sports injuries, arthritis in multiple joints |
| Best fit when | The problem is limited to your foot or ankle | The problem involves other joints or a major injury |
When to See a Podiatrist
The Prima CARE podiatry team is a great first choice for:
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Ingrown toenails and nail fungus
- Corns, calluses and blisters
- Flat feet and arch pain
- Diabetic foot care and wound care
- Custom orthotics (shoe inserts made to fit your feet)
If you have diabetes, regular podiatry visits are especially important. Small foot problems can turn serious quickly when blood flow and feeling in the feet are reduced.
When to See an Orthopedist
The Prima CARE orthopedic surgery team may be the better choice for:
- A serious ankle fracture or injury from a fall, car accident or sport
- Foot or ankle pain that comes with knee, hip or back pain
- Arthritis that affects several joints
- Problems that may need joint replacement or major reconstruction
If joint pain is caused by an autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, you may also see a Prima CARE rheumatologist.
Still Not Sure? Start With Primary Care
If you cannot tell which specialist you need, your primary care provider can examine your foot, order X-rays and refer you to the right expert. Prima CARE has primary care offices on Main Road in Westport, and its podiatry and orthopedic teams see patients in Fall River. Because they are part of the same practice, your care team can share notes and keep your treatment on track.
Get the Right Foot and Ankle Care With Prima CARE Near Westport
Podiatrists and orthopedists both treat foot and ankle problems, but their focus is different. Prima CARE offers both, so you get the right specialist for your condition from the start.
Schedule a foot and ankle evaluation with Prima CARE Podiatry or Prima CARE Orthopedics and request an appointment through the Prima CARE patient portal, or find the phone number for a Prima CARE office near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a podiatrist a real doctor?
Yes. Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) who complete podiatric medical school and a hospital residency. They diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems and can perform surgery.
Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist for a sprained ankle?
Both can treat ankle sprains. A podiatrist is a good choice for most sprains. If the injury is severe, involves a fracture or affects other joints, an orthopedist may be a better fit.
Where can I find a foot doctor near me in Westport, MA?
Prima CARE has primary care offices at 829 and 831 Main Road in Westport. Prima CARE Podiatry and Prima CARE Orthopedics see patients on Pleasant Street in Fall River.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
It depends on your insurance plan. Check with your insurance company or call Prima CARE to ask.
Can a podiatrist treat bunions?
Yes. Podiatrists treat bunions with shoe changes, padding and custom orthotics, and they can perform bunion surgery when needed.
