The question of whether a podiatrist is a surgeon can be answered with a clear affirmative. A podiatrist is a physician and surgeon specializing exclusively in the treatment of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. These practitioners earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, certifying them to diagnose and treat a wide range of lower extremity conditions. Their practice encompasses both non-surgical care, such as prescribing orthotics, and performing complex operative procedures.
Defining the Surgical Scope of Podiatry
Podiatric surgeons address conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, neurological, and dermatological systems of the foot and ankle. Their surgical capabilities range from minor in-office procedures to extensive hospital-based reconstructions. When non-operative treatments fail, many common foot deformities require surgical intervention, making the podiatrist the most frequent provider of these operations.
Procedures often performed include the correction of bunions, which involves removing the bony prominence and realigning the joint, and the straightening of hammertoes through joint fusion or tendon release. Podiatric surgeons also routinely manage foot trauma, performing fracture reduction using internal fixation devices like screws and plates to stabilize broken bones. These procedures restore proper alignment and function to the complex structures of the foot.
Beyond bony reconstruction, podiatrists perform soft tissue procedures such as tendon and ligament repair, including those for chronic instability following severe ankle sprains. They treat nerve entrapments, like tarsal tunnel syndrome, and perform surgical releases for conditions such as chronic plantar fasciitis. Podiatric surgeons also play a significant role in limb salvage, particularly for patients with diabetes requiring advanced wound care and reconstructive surgery to prevent amputation.
More advanced surgical procedures, such as ankle fusion (arthrodesis) for severe arthritis or joint replacement for end-stage ankle disease, are also within the scope of a board-certified podiatric surgeon. Their surgical practice is consistently limited to the foot and ankle, allowing for a deep, specialized understanding of lower extremity biomechanics. This specialization means they are experts in how the foot functions and how surgical correction impacts a patient’s walking pattern and overall mobility.
Education and Certification Requirements
Becoming a podiatric surgeon requires extensive and specialized medical training comparable to other surgical specialties. Prospective podiatrists must first complete a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in a four-year program at an accredited college of podiatric medicine. Successful completion results in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree.
The DPM curriculum includes comprehensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical sciences, mirroring the core medical education of other physicians. Following the DPM degree, graduates must complete a mandatory three- to four-year surgical residency program, known as the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR). This residency provides intensive, hospital-based training, including rotations in general surgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology, alongside extensive training in foot and ankle surgery.
The residency provides hands-on experience in managing complex foot and ankle pathology, preparing the DPM for both non-operative and operative practice. Upon completion, many podiatric surgeons pursue board certification through bodies like the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). Achieving certification requires demonstrating competency through written and oral examinations, along with an audit of surgical case logs, confirming a high standard of skill and knowledge.
Podiatrists versus Orthopedic Surgeons
The distinction between a podiatric surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon is a common source of confusion for patients. The primary difference lies in the breadth of their medical training and the depth of their anatomical focus. Orthopedic surgeons earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, followed by a five-year residency focused on the entire musculoskeletal system, from the spine to the hands and feet.
While all orthopedic surgeons are trained across the entire body, those treating the foot and ankle often complete an additional one-to-two-year fellowship to specialize in lower extremity reconstruction. The podiatric surgeon, by contrast, has a training pathway specialized from the outset. All four years of medical school and the entire residency are focused exclusively on the foot, ankle, and associated structures of the leg, providing the podiatrist with an unparalleled understanding of lower extremity biomechanics.
Both specialists are highly qualified to perform many of the same foot and ankle operations, including bunion surgery, fracture repair, and tendon procedures. However, the orthopedic surgeon’s broader training may be advantageous in cases involving complex, multi-system trauma or conditions affecting other parts of the body, such as hip or knee misalignment. Podiatric surgeons, due to their specialized training, often manage a wider range of forefoot and dermatological conditions, including ingrown toenails, complex wounds, and diabetic foot care.
The choice of specialist often depends on the specific condition. For common foot deformities and many ankle issues, a podiatric surgeon’s focused expertise is highly appropriate. For severe, multi-joint trauma or systemic conditions requiring a broader orthopedic perspective, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the foot and ankle may be consulted. Both specialties provide comprehensive surgical and non-surgical care for lower extremity problems, though the podiatrist represents a highly focused surgical expertise.