Among the range of different medical occupations, there is some inevitable overlap between specialists who treat similar conditions, organ systems, or parts of the body. Patients who are experiencing issues with the feet and ankles, for example, may visit a podiatrist, an orthopedist (who are sometimes also orthopedic surgeons), or both.

Both types of doctors evaluate and treat foot and ankle conditions. And while there is some commonality in treatments, the training and overall scope of work for each specialist is distinct. Keep reading to learn the differences between an orthopedic surgeon and a podiatrist.

What is a podiatrist?

Podiatrists are experts on the vascular, neurological, dermatological, and musculoskeletal systems of the foot and ankle. They provide both conservative and surgical treatments for conditions like:

• Bunions
• Toe and hindfoot fractures
• Diabetic ulcers and wounds
• Plantar fasciitis
• Flat feet
• Heel spurs
• Athlete’s foot

These doctors are also extensively trained in human biomechanics and proper foot balance, which makes them well-equipped to fit orthotics, custom shoes, and a variety of braces.

To become a podiatrist, one must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. This requires four years at a podiatric medical school, followed by three to four years of foot and ankle residency training.

What is an orthopedist?

The expertise of orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons involves general musculoskeletal care. These physicians focus on the bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints not only in the foot and ankle, but throughout the whole body.

They are specialists who are devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and conditions of the entire musculoskeletal system, which can include:

• Arthritis
• Back and neck pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Clubfoot
• Scoliosis

Orthopedic treatments can include medications, physical therapy, mobility aids, exercise programs, injections, and surgery.

To become qualified as an orthopedist, one must earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree by completing four years of medical school, followed by five years of orthopedic surgery residency training. This residency includes training in adult and pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, sports medicine, spine, amputations, total joint arthroplasty, and trauma. Fellowships in each of these areas offer additional training opportunities for orthopedists to further specialize.

How do podiatrists and orthopedists differ?

Both podiatrists and orthopedists are highly trained specialists who use their comprehensive knowledge of foot and ankle conditions to provide a range of different treatment options to patients experiencing pain and discomfort. The core difference between the two lies in their overall scope of work.

Patients with foot and ankle problems may find the treatment they need from a podiatrist; however, if those issues are accompanied by discomfort in other areas of the body (such as the legs, hips, shoulders, or back), they may need to seek out an orthopedist. At the same time, some people who start by going to an orthopedist may find themselves being referred to a podiatrist for more focused care.

Begin your journey toward practicing medicine

Now that you are more familiar with what each of these specialists do, you can explore the details of the medical practice you find the most interesting. Attending a high-quality medical school can help you lay the foundation you’ll need for career success.

Learn more about what you should be looking for in our article “How to Choose a Medical School: 8 Things to Evaluate Before Accepting.”