Podiatrist VS Orthopedist? Whats the difference?

In this blog we are going to explore the roles of a podiatrist vs an orthopedist. Read on to find out more.

The medical field is incredibly ample, and often it can be confusing for many individuals to determine what kind of doctor they need to fit their condition or health issue. Doctors will usually have more than one specialisation as it allows them to have a larger pool of knowledge to draw from in order to diagnose accurately what afflicts their patients.

Among the common confusions is the patient’s ability to distinguish a podiatrist from an orthopedist. Both of these medical professions have a lot in common, which is why many tend to think they are one and the same, but they are not.

A podiatrist is a doctor focusing specifically on the feet and ankles. They treat the bones, soft tissues, joints, and skin issues of the feet and ankles. A podiatrist is also responsible for managing the biomechanics of both these critical body parts.

On the other hand, an orthopedist can only manage certain aspects of the foot and ankle that refer to the bones, soft tissues and the foot. Furthermore, orthopedists specialise in the surgical and medical management of the bone and joint system of the whole body, specifically focusing on the hips and shoulders.

In conclusion, orthopedists generally cover a broader spectrum. While podiatrists are medically advanced in everything foot and ankle related - it’s a much more focused and narrowed-down specialisation. It would be correct to say that those experiencing foot and ankle complications would benefit most from seeing a podiatrist as their job is indeed concentrated on those two body areas.

Furthermore, podiatrists can perform foot and ankle surgery; however, it would be wise first to check they are medically certified to do so. All podiatrist should be HCPC registered. Suppose your foot issue is not on the bone, soft tissues or the joints. In that case, the only thing a general orthopedist can do is refer you straight back to a podiatrist who has the knowledge, experience and understanding required for the job.

Although, if your foot pain is related to other pain in your body or your foot injury causes discomfort in other areas, you may benefit from turning to a general orthopedist first.

If you need to visit a podiatrist or orthopedist for any health concerns, do not hesitate to make an appointment! Why wait until your condition has worsened? Early detection is vital for any foot or ankle condition.