Podiatrist vs Orthopedist: Who Should You See for Foot Pain?
When foot or ankle pain starts interfering with your day-to-day life, the first question that comes to mind is Should I see a podiatrist or an orthopedist? Both are experts in treating bones, joints, and muscles, but their training and focus differ in ways that can make a big difference for your recovery.
In this article, we’ll clearly explain the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedist, when to see each one, and how to make the right decision for your specific condition
Understanding the Difference Between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Specialist
The words podiatrist and orthopedic are often used interchangeably, but they describe two distinct medical specialties.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), specializes exclusively in the foot and ankle. These are the professionals who dedicate their entire medical education and residency to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the lower extremities, including those below the knee.
Podiatrists spend years studying foot anatomy, biomechanics, and lower limb surgery, making them experts in a wide range of conditions, from heel pain and bunions to sports injuries and diabetic foot care.
For example, if you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, or ankle sprains, a podiatrist is often your best first stop. They’re trained to handle both non-surgical and surgical treatments, depending on your needs. What Is an Orthopedist?
An orthopedist (or orthopedic surgeon) is a medical doctor (MD) who treats the entire musculoskeletal system — including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
While orthopedists are trained to treat the feet and ankles, their education covers the whole body. They can perform surgeries like hip replacements or repair torn ligaments in the shoulder, but not all orthopedists specialize in foot and ankle care.
If you’re seeing an orthopedist for a foot problem, it’s important to confirm that they are a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist, not just a general orthopedic doctor.
Podiatrist vs Orthopedist: How Their Training Differs
The biggest difference between podiatry vs orthopedic care lies in their training and specialization.
| Specialist | Medical Education | Residency Focus | Treatment Area |
| Podiatrist (DPM) | 4 years of podiatric medical school | Foot and ankle medicine and surgery | Foot, ankle, lower leg |
| Orthopedist (MD/DO) | 4 years of medical school | Musculoskeletal system (entire body) | Bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons |
In simple terms, a podiatrist focuses deeply on foot and ankle problems, while an orthopedist covers a wider range of the body but may not have the same detailed training in podiatric conditions.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You should see a podiatrist when your pain or injury is limited to the foot or ankle. Here are common reasons to visit one:
- Persistent heel pain (often plantar fasciitis)
- Bunions or hammertoes
- Ingrown toenails or fungal nail infections
- Diabetic foot wounds or poor circulation
- Flat feet or high arches
- Sprains, fractures, or tendonitis of the foot or ankle
- Custom orthotics or gait analysis needs
Podiatrists not only treat but also help prevent foot and ankle problems through early detection and personalized care plans.
Real-World Example
Imagine a marathon runner dealing with sharp heel pain. After trying rest and stretching, the pain worsens. A podiatrist can perform a detailed gait analysis, prescribe custom orthotics, and recommend targeted physical therapy. In this case, a podiatrist’s specialized knowledge can save months of frustration.
When Should You See an Orthopedist?
See an orthopedist if your problem involves multiple joints or larger parts of the body, such as the hip, knee, or spine — especially when your foot pain might be caused by a higher-up issue (like back misalignment or hip imbalance).
An orthopedist may also be the right choice if you have:
- Complex bone fractures
- Arthritis affecting several joints
- Sports injuries involving ligaments and tendons
- Need for joint replacement surgery
However, if your issue is isolated to your foot or ankle, a podiatrist vs an orthopedic surgeon is generally more specialized for that area.
Should I See a Podiatrist or Orthopedist for Foot Pain?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask.
If your pain is in the foot or ankle only, such as heel pain, bunions, or toe deformities, start with a podiatrist. They have the most direct experience treating these specific issues.
If your pain radiates beyond the foot — say from your knees, hips, or back — or results from a complex injury affecting multiple areas, an orthopedist may be more appropriate.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
For foot and ankle pain, see a podiatrist.
For whole-body musculoskeletal issues, see an orthopedist.
Podiatrist vs Orthopedic Foot Specialist: Is There a Difference?
Yes. A podiatrist is always focused on the foot and ankle, while an orthopedic foot specialist is an orthopedist who chooses to focus on the same region.
The key difference is in their training:
- Podiatrists study foot and ankle care from day one.
- Orthopedic foot specialists study general orthopedics first, then specialize later.
Both can perform foot and ankle surgery, but podiatrists often handle more soft tissue and chronic conditions, while orthopedic surgeons typically handle bone and trauma-related cases.
FAQs: Your Foot Doctor Questions Answered
Q1: What is a foot doctor called?
A foot doctor is called a podiatrist. They’re medical professionals who diagnose and treat conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
Q2: Is a podiatrist the same as an orthopedist?
No. A podiatrist focuses only on the feet and ankles, while an orthopedist treats the entire musculoskeletal system.
Q3: Who is better for foot pain — a podiatrist or an orthopedist?
If your pain is localized to your foot or ankle, a podiatrist is usually the best choice. For pain that extends beyond your foot or involves multiple joints, consider an orthopedist.
Q4: Do podiatrists perform surgery?
Yes. Many podiatrists are trained and board-certified in podiatric surgery, performing procedures for bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and more.
Q5: Can an orthopedist treat plantar fasciitis?
Yes, but a podiatrist typically has more experience managing plantar fasciitis, since it’s a foot-specific condition.
Q6: What’s the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?
A podiatrist specializes in foot and ankle medicine and surgery, while an orthopedic surgeon treats the entire skeletal system and may only occasionally handle foot and ankle cases.
Q7: Should I see a podiatrist or an orthopedist for a broken foot?
Both can treat fractures, but podiatrists are experts in managing foot and ankle fractures, especially those requiring precise realignment or post-surgical recovery plans.
The Bottom Line: Ortho vs Podiatry — Making the Right Choice
Both podiatrists and orthopedists are highly trained professionals who can help relieve pain and restore mobility. The key is choosing based on where your pain starts and how complex your condition is.
At Michigan Avenue Podiatry, our board-certified podiatrists provide specialized care for all foot and ankle conditions — from minor aches to complex surgical cases. Our goal is to get you back on your feet comfortably and confidently.
Booking Your Appointment
Ready to take the first step? Scheduling is easy:
Book Online: Visit our appointment page
Call Us Today: 312-701-0770
Visit Us:
