Podiatry or Orthopedics: What’s the Difference?

Pain or discomfort in the lower extremities can be a particularly debilitating experience. For virtually everyone, mobility is part of our daily lives and sometimes our livelihoods. And what gives us mobility? The lower extremities, especially our feet and ankles. When these parts of our body are experiencing challenges, we often feel a pressing need to address these concerns. But a quick internet search may lead us to a fork in the road. Podiatry or orthopedics?

Both of these medical specialties seem to address foot and ankle problems, but which type of specialist is right for your concern? While both professions focus on treating musculoskeletal issues, understanding the nuances between them can help patients make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs. In some cases, patients may opt to visit a podiatrist and an orthopedist concurrently to get a comprehensive assessment of their condition and determine treatment options that best suit their goals. To decide which is right for you, an overview of what each specialty focuses on may help.

What is Podiatric Medicine?

Podiatric medicine focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. A Podiatrist, also known as a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), undergoes extensive training to learn the intricate anatomy of the feet and ankles and their role in the body. By understanding the intricate interactions between the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the lower extremities, podiatrists can effectively diagnose and treat conditions that impact mobility, stability, and comfort. The scope of podiatric medicine includes a wide range of issues, from common podiatric concerns like ingrown toenails, bunions, and plantar fasciitis to more complex conditions such as foot deformities, sports injuries, and diabetic foot complications.

Podiatrists are uniquely trained and prepared to address a comprehensive variety of foot and ankle-related problems, providing both non-invasive treatments and surgical interventions when necessary. As specialists in podiatric medicine, these medical professionals work alongside their patients to not only alleviate existing symptoms but also to implement preventive measures. This approach aims to enhance the overall function and health of the feet, promoting an active and pain-free lifestyle. Whether it's providing advice on proper footwear, prescribing custom orthotics, or performing surgical procedures, podiatrists play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of their patients' lower extremities. If you're facing any foot or ankle concerns, consulting with a podiatrist can be the first step toward comprehensive and personalized care.

What is Orthopedic Medicine?

While orthopedic medicine includes the lower extremities, it more generally addresses the musculoskeletal system throughout the body. This can include not only the lower extremities, like the feet and ankles, but also the back, shoulders, neck, hands, hips, arms, and other areas. Just like podiatry, orthopedic medicine can help to treat concerns related to the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves but will spread the focus.

The field of orthopedic medicine includes a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries such as fractures, sprains, and strains to chronic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and degenerative joint diseases. Orthopedic surgeons are trained to evaluate and manage these diverse musculoskeletal issues through various treatment modalities, including conservative measures such as physical therapy, medication, and bracing, as well as surgical interventions when necessary.

Doctors who practice orthopedic medicine may specialize in areas such as sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, hand surgery, or joint replacement surgery. Orthopedic surgeons may choose to sub-specialize in one or more of these areas to provide specialized care tailored to specific patient populations and conditions. Orthopedic doctors often have knowledge in the area of podiatry but may not have specialized expertise unless they've had specific training.

Primary Differences Between Podiatry and Orthopedics

While podiatrists specialize exclusively in foot and ankle care, orthopedic surgeons have a broader scope, addressing musculoskeletal issues throughout the body.

Patients would typically see a podiatrist for issues such as foot pain, ankle pain, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, diabetic foot care, and sports-related injuries affecting the feet and ankles, along with any condition that exclusively affects the lower extremities.

In contrast, joint injuries, arthritis, shoulder issues, spinal conditions, and congenital musculoskeletal deformities would typically be the time to see an orthopedic surgeon. However, as noted, some patients may benefit from a visit to both types of specialists for a more comprehensive overview.

Talk To The Experts To Help With Your Decision Making Process

Many patients opt to book a consultation with a specialist to determine what's right for them and their concerns. Meeting with the podiatrists at Gotham Footcare can offer valuable information about your condition and start you on the path toward healing and improved quality of life.