You have likely heard about both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons, but what you may not likely no is exactly what the difference is between them. A podiatrist is all about the foot and nothing else while an orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor that specializes in issues of the musculoskeletal system.
Podiatrists treat such problems with the foot such as corns, callus, bunions, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, infections, arthritis and diabetes related problems with the foot. Podiatrists use such things as surgery, medications and or physical therapy to treat your foot problems.
Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who also help to relieve foot problems but their practice does not end there, they are trained to also review other orthopedic issues as well.
If you are having any type of foot pain, you will need to do your research to decide just which you should go see to get relief. It may be that your foot problem can be handled perfectly well by a podiatrist, but it may be more involved and need to assistance of an orthopedic surgeon.
Now will you know a little about the difference of these two types of doctors and can make a more clear decision when you are faced with problems with your feet. If you have foot pain you will need to see a doctor one way or the other and not let the problem become worse by putting it off longer than it should be.
Podiatrists may have their own practice or they can also be found in hospitals and in health clinics. Orthopedic surgeons can also have their own practice but many times work in the hospital as a general rule.
If you find that you are in need of either a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon you can ask your family doctor for a recommendation of who they think could best handle your personal situation. It may be that they can make your search for one a bit easier for you than searching on your own. If you have a family member or friend that can make a suggestion to you on whom to use, that will help you to make an informed decision as well.
If you find that you have no idea where to start to find a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon you can always look up a few online and make an appointment with one of each to see exactly who can serve you better. It may be a simple problem that you have or it may be a more complex problem that needs to be addressed by an orthopedic surgeon. It will serve you well to see both and find out who can better solve your problem for you.
Unimed Health Systems provides geriatric healthcare services. Find a qualified podiatrist in Fort Lauderdale at unimedhealthsystems.com.
