Podiatrists And Orthopedic Foot And Ankle Surgeons

Podiatrists And Orthopedic Foot And Ankle Surgeons - Foot Health care providers who take care of feet could be podiatrists or orthopedists. Learn about the differences between these specialists. A wide variety of health care providers deal with conditions of the feet. These include podiatric physicians, orthopedic physicians, general practitioners, physical therapists, family physicians, internists, rheumatologists and others. Who you see depends on your problem, and in some cases, on your health insurer. Some policies require you to see your primary care physician before visiting a specialist.

For many people, it is confusing to know when to see a podiatrist or an orthopedist for their foot problems. The following is information about both specialties.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatric physician, also called a podiatrist, is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). This is a health care professional trained in the care of the feet and ankles. These doctors receive medical training plus special training on the foot, ankle and lower leg.

Podiatrists must complete the following formal education, including:

• Four years of undergraduate work
• Four years at an accredited podiatric medical school
• At least one year in a hospital-based residency program

In all of the United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, podiatrists must pass state board examinations before they are licensed. Most states require continuing medical education for license renewals. One organization that provides such education to podiatrists is the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. In addition to private practice, podiatrists also serve on the staff at hospitals and on the faculties of schools of medicine. They may also belong to group medical practices.

What is an Orthopedist?

Orthopedics is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of your body's musculoskeletal system. This is the system that allows you to move, work and be active.

While most orthopedists practice general orthopedics, some specialize in treating the foot. Others may specialize in the hand, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, or in pediatrics, injuries or sports medicine. When choosing an orthopedist for your feet, make sure you choose one with expertise in foot problems. Read also: How Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Orthopedists must complete up to 14 years of formal education including:

• Four years of study in a college or university
• Four years of study in medical school
• Five years of study in orthopedic residency at a major medical center
• One optional year of specialized education known as a fellowship

After establishing a licensed practice, an orthopedic surgeon must pass oral and written examinations given by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Orthopedists that have specialty training may also be required to pass specialty boards. In addition, orthopedists spend many hours studying and attending continuing medical education courses to maintain their certification and current orthopedic knowledge and skills.

References

• American Podiatric Medical Association. About podiatry.
• American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine. Foot doctor.
• American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. The orthopaedic distinction.
• American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. ASPS vision and purpose.