(866) 552-4866 When Stephen* agreed to go on a long hike with some friends, he was confident that the heel pain that had plagued him for months was finally behind him. An avid outdoorsman who is constantly on the go, he had done the right thing and taken several weeks off from activities that would easily aggravate his condition. And it worked—his heel was not perfect, but it felt a lot better. Unfortunately, he and his friends were barely two miles into the hike when his heel started acting up again. What started as a mild annoyance turned into debilitating pain. By the time they finished the hike, he could barely put weight on that foot. It was as if he were walking on jagged rocks without shoes on. Two of his friends suggested that he put his ego aside and finally see a professional. But who? One friend mentioned an orthopedic surgeon, while the other suggested a podiatrist. That's when Stephen jokingly said, "Is there really a difference between the two?"
If you are wondering the same thing, you are not alone. After all, a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon are both known for treating foot and ankle issues. That said, this slight overlap does not erase the reality that there is a clear distinction between these two specialized areas of healthcare providers. Knowing which to visit for your unique foot and ankle problems—whether it involves a nagging condition that will not go away, arthritis, a complex fracture, or something else—will help expedite care and keep people like Stephen on their feet and pain-free.
Let's discuss the key differences between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon to help you make the right choice.
Are you dealing with foot and ankle pain? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatrist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the support you need.
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
Podiatry is the branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders, injuries, and acute and chronic conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), also known as a podiatric physician, surgeon, or podiatrist, undergoes medical training that includes four years at a podiatric medical school, followed by residency training specifically focused on lower extremity care.
For years, the misconception was that your local podiatrist was the go-to professional only for minor yet persistent foot problems, such as ingrown toenails or athlete's foot. Some people may have also thought that because foot and ankle issues increase with age, only older people need to visit a podiatrist. And when they did, they would commonly be fit for custom orthotics or receive advice on better footwear. Podiatrists can certainly help with these issues, but a podiatrist's role in overcoming a variety of complex foot ailments is far more extensive than that.
A podiatrist today has surgical and nonsurgical answers for everything from acute and severe injuries (including sprains, strains, fractures, or broken bones) to various infections and complications from chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Many podiatrists are skilled surgeons who perform procedures such as bunion removal or tendon repair, when necessary.
That said, podiatrists see and treat certain foot conditions more commonly than others. Just a few include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Ingrown toenails
- Heel spurs
- Corns and calluses
- Flat feet
- Athlete's foot
- Hammertoes
- Diabetic foot ulcers and wound care
- Warts
- Arthritis and tendonitis
- Neuropathy and neuromas
- Ankle instability
"A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), also known as a podiatric physician, surgeon, or podiatrist, undergoes medical training that includes four years at a podiatric medical school, followed by residency training specifically focused on lower extremity care."
In Stephen's case, seeking help from a podiatrist for his heel pain was his best bet. In doing so, he was quickly diagnosed with a recurring case of plantar fasciitis and given a long-term care plan that included rest, stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy.
How Is An Orthopedic Surgeon Different?
While podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle issues, an orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the entire musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body and how they interact with one another. They complete medical school, a five-year orthopedic residency, and may also pursue fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery if they choose to specialize in this area.
As you can see from the bulleted list above, there is some overlap between podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons—especially when it comes to injuries. However, the difference often comes down to the scope and complexity of the condition. For instance, you are unlikely to see an orthopedic surgeon trimming thick toenails, treating a diabetic ulcer, the biomechanics of your feet, or helping someone like Stephen with recurring heel pain. That's where a podiatrist shines. Rather, an orthopedic surgeon is often called in for bigger, more complex surgeries.
- Tendon or ligament ruptures
- Severe fractures
- Joint replacement
- Degenerative diseases
- Major reconstructive surgeries
- Joint instability
- Decreased range of motion
- Major foot or ankle deformities
- Surgical correction of structural abnormalities
- Foot or ankle pain related to another part of the body (hip or knee)
In short, if your foot or ankle issue involves trauma, joint damage, or requires advanced surgical intervention, an orthopedic surgeon may be the right choice. If your foot or ankle issue involves chronic pain, skin or nail conditions, diabetic foot care, or biomechanics problems like flat feet or heel pain, a podiatrist is the best place to start.
Use this chart as a quick reference to help determine whether a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon is the right provider for your foot and ankle issue.
Podiatrist vs Orthopedic Surgeon
|
| Choose a Podiatrist for | Choose an Orthopedic Surgeon for |
|
| Ongoing heel pain (like plantar fasciitis) | Severe trauma or complex fractures |
|
| Routine foot care for diabetes | Tendon or ligament ruptures |
|
| Toenail, skin, or callus issues | Advanced arthritis in the ankle or midfoot |
|
| Arch pain or overuse injuries | Reconstructive surgery needs |
|
| Mild to moderate sports injuries | Issues involving alignment from hip to foot |
You do not have to live with foot and ankle issues forever. If you would like to discuss your treatment options, please schedule an appointment with StrideCare's expert podiatric physicians.
Be Proactive With Your Foot and Ankle Health
In many cases, your podiatrist and orthopedic surgeon of choice may collaborate to ensure you receive the best care possible. For instance, a podiatrist may handle the diagnosis and initial care plan, then refer to an orthopedic surgeon if more extensive surgical intervention is needed—or vice versa.
Believe it or not, many foot and ankle issues can be avoided entirely with a proactive approach to foot health. And a podiatrist is the best relationship you can have. They can be a wonderful resource for many foot care questions or concerns, including advice on proper footwear and do's and don'ts. Your podiatrist can also identify structural problems and early signs of bunions, nerve damage, hammertoes, and diabetic foot complications that you may not realize were there. If you visit them, but then determine an orthopedic surgeon will be a better fit, they can refer you.
The bottom line is that podiatry has transformed the way we understand and manage foot pain. Thanks to modern diagnostic tools, customized treatments, and preventive care, millions have found relief from foot pain and regained mobility. Podiatrists treat existing problems and empower patients with the knowledge to take care of their feet, ensuring long-term health and comfort. From alleviating everyday discomfort to preventing life-altering complications, podiatry plays a vital role in keeping us on our feet and moving forward.
Our StrideCare Podiatrists Want To Be Part of Your Healing Journey
Foot and ankle issues, such as what Stephen was experiencing, are not something to take lightly, nor is the care and expertise offered by podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons alike. Whether you have dealt with a minor issue or something more serious, these dedicated professionals can play a significant role in helping you live a more comfortable, active life.
A consultation with one of our podiatrists can determine the type, severity, and location of your chronic foot pain issues. Furthermore, our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and treatments to help our patients reclaim their lives. With over 50 StrideCare clinic locations, finding an experienced, qualified podiatrist near you is easier than ever. A consultation with one of our podiatrists can determine the type, severity, and location of your foot pain issues.
Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and treatments to help our patients reclaim their lives. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.