When it comes to foot problems, choosing the right doctor can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery. While both an orthopedic doctor and a podiatrist can treat patients with foot problems, there are differences in their focus and years of training, which may influence your choice of a medical professional for your treatment.
Below, we will talk about the important differences between orthopedic doctors and podiatrists that you should be aware of before making a decision on who to see for foot care.
Orthopedic Doctor
An orthopedic doctor is a medical physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions affecting the bones, joints, and soft tissues in the body, which includes the lower extremities. Orthopedic surgeons study the entire musculoskeletal system of the body, but many choose to specialize in specific areas. Since orthopedic doctors study many different areas of the body, their knowledge of the foot may suffice for many patients’ basic foot-related needs. In addition, if a doctor specializes in specific areas of orthopedic medicine, such as sports medicine, arthritis, or osteoporosis, they can treat issues related to these problems in the foot.
Orthopedic doctors may be a better choice for treating your foot problem if, along with foot issues, you have orthopedic problems in another area of the body. However, if your foot issue is localized only, you may be better off choosing a podiatrist for your care.
Podiatrist
A podiatrist focuses exclusively on providing comprehensive medical services for disorders and injuries concerning only the lower extremities – specifically those related to the foot and ankle. Podiatric doctors treat all the common ailments affecting the foot and ankle in adultand pediatric patients, ranging from ingrown nails, corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes, and warts to stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and more. Additionally, podiatrists have the expertise and knowledge to provide services to patients with diabetic foot problems. Diabetic ulcers require special attention due to their delicate nature, and podiatrists are highly trained and experienced in these cases, whereas most orthopedic doctors may not be.
The therapies offered by podiatrists include non-surgical options like medication and in-office procedures such as laser treatments and shockwave therapy. They can also provide you with custom-fitting arch supports, which can provide relief for many foot problems. Podiatrists can also perform foot and ankle surgery to repair deformities, repair damaged bones and soft tissues, and realign compressed nerves.
With all the services that a podiatrist can provide, it is very fitting to choose one to be your specialist for any and all foot and ankle problems.
The Best Foot Doctors in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, and Live Oak, TX
For specialized foot care, choose The Podiatry Group of South Texas. Since 2003, we have been serving the podiatry needs of San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, and Live Oak. We treat all types of foot and ankle conditions and injuries, including those affecting the skin,as well as those that go deep into bones, joints, and soft tissues.
To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists, call our location nearest you or use our convenient online request form. We look forward to providing you with the best in podiatry care in South Texas.
