The ankle and foot are the complex areas of the body and getting an expert to treat those regions is a difficult task. In this article, you will know a few differences between podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons, who help to choose the right one to treat your foot issues. 

Although both podiatrists and orthopedics treat the same problems, they differ in many things. An orthopedic treats an individual as a whole, while a podiatrist is specialized in treating problems associated with the ankle and foot. According to recent statistics, around 39% of people choose podiatrists to treat their foot problems, whereas only 19% of people select orthopedics. 

If you want to consult the best foot and ankle specialist Orange County, you must consider visiting the Podiatrist in Irvine website. They provide a dedicated team and advanced treatment methods to treat the ankle and foot problems of their patients at an affordable price.

Podiatrist vs. Orthopedic

About podiatrists

A DPM (doctor of podiatric medicine) or podiatrist is specialized in treating problems that distress the lower legs of feet. Also, they can help with foot issues caused due to health problems, including diabetes. Podiatrists will have their own colleges and associations. Students who take subjects like physics, biology, and chemistry can opt for podiatry. Currently, they have to complete the formal education for

  • Undergraduate school education for 4 years
  • An accredited podiatric medical school for 4 years
  • Surgical residency training for 3 to 4 years

A podiatrist receives specialized and medical training over the lower legs, ankle, and foot. Also, they are trained in biomechanics, foot balance, and well outfitted to fit custom shoes, braces, and orthotics. A podiatrist can treat ankle, foot, and wound care Orange County, calluses, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, foot deformities, and more. Also, they provide treatment for issues associated with systemic illnesses, diabetes, and more. 

What a podiatrist can treat?

A podiatrist can treat all age groups to treat various foot problems, such as:

Sprains and fractures – A podiatrist can treat these injuries that affect the ankle or foot. Also, they work to treat athletes’ foot problems and help them to stay away from them.

Hammertoes and bunions – These problems are associated with the feet’ bones. Bunions happen when the big toe base gets knocked or bigger out of the position. With this, the toe bends towards another. 

Heel pain – Heel spurs (accumulation of calcium at the heel bone base) is the main cause of it. It can occur from ill-fitting shoes, being overweight, or running. 

Diabetes – People with diabetes can’t make the hormone insulin (which helps to digest sugar) or can’t use it. This condition can damage nerves in the legs or feet and trouble in getting blood to the feet. People with diabetes have to get callus or sore checked out.

About orthopedics

An orthopedic surgeon or MD (medical doctor) treats the whole musculoskeletal system rather than the lower extremity. An orthopedic is specialized in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries in the musculoskeletal system. An orthopedic is trained to manage various conditions associated with tendons, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other body parts. A few orthopedics will practice general orthopedics, while others specialize in dealing with ankle, foot, shoulder, knee, hip, sports medicine, and pediatrics.

An orthopedic can help to determine the cause of the problem and recommends treatment and medications. Currently, an orthopedic have to complete the formal education listed below:

  • Undergraduate school education for 4 years
  • Accredited medical school education for 4 years
  • Generalized surgical training for 5 years
  • Additional year fellowship training

An orthopedic surgeon will have a medical background, but not much time to learn regarding feet. An orthopedic surgeon has to pass a licensing examination. Also, orthopedics has to complete fellowship training related to ankle and foot surgery. Remember that orthopedic surgeons are surgeons, so approaching them usually focuses on surgery.

When do you have to consult a podiatrist?

Feet will do more work and it is a complex structure that contains ligaments, bones, and tendons that work together to keep moving. If you are experiencing the below-stated foot or ankle issues and wound care Orange County, you must visit a foot specialist as soon as possible. They include:

  • Discolored or thick toenails
  • Warts
  • Cuts or cracks over the skin
  • Peeling or scaling
  • Foot pain

What can you expect from a podiatrist consultation?

Like other doctors, a podiatrist will ask questions regarding medical history, surgeries, medications, and more during the first consultation. Also, they will check how you walk and stand, the motion range in the joints, and look at the shoes fit. 

Most podiatrists treat heel pain, lower backache, ingrown toenails, and bunions, during the first visit. Depending on your foot condition the podiatrist may recommend orthotics, physical therapy, or padding to manage the problems. Also, they may use pieces of equipment like nail anvil or splitters to treat ingrown toenails, syringes for pain medication, scalpels to remove calluses and corns, and cryotherapy equipment to freeze plantar warts.

Although choosing an orthopedic or a podiatrist is a personal choice, it’s ideal to check the experience and specialization before choosing any doctor.

Many clinics offer high-quality treatment services for foot problems. Among those, choose the best one and book your appointment today to get rid of your foot pain and discomfort.