Podiatrists are healthcare professionals specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They are qualified to diagnose health conditions, order tests, prescribe medicine, and perform surgery.
Training and Scope
Podiatrists, also known as Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs), undergo extensive education and training focused on the lower extremities. Their academic path includes four years of podiatric medical school after undergraduate studies. This specialized schooling covers the bones, nerves, and muscles in the foot and ankle, along with related illnesses and injuries.
Following medical school, DPMs complete a hospital-based residency program lasting three to four years. This residency provides hands-on surgical training and experience, often alongside other medical specialists. Many podiatrists then pursue board certification through organizations like the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS), demonstrating their surgical expertise. This rigorous training equips them to handle complex foot and ankle conditions through both medical and surgical means.
Common Surgical Procedures
Podiatrists perform various surgical procedures to alleviate pain, correct deformities, and restore foot function. A common procedure is a bunionectomy, which involves removing the bony bump at the base of the big toe and realigning bones, ligaments, and tendons. The specific technique used depends on the bunion’s severity and patient needs.
Hammertoe correction addresses deformities where toes bend abnormally. Procedures can involve releasing tendons or removing bone to straighten the toe. Podiatrists also perform Achilles tendon repair for tears or ruptures, which may involve stitching the torn tendon or using grafts.
Surgical intervention for nerve entrapments, such as Morton’s neuroma or tarsal tunnel syndrome, involves nerve decompression to relieve pressure on affected nerves, alleviating burning, tingling, or shooting pain. Podiatrists also address heel pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, sometimes requiring surgery to release tension in the plantar fascia or remove bone spurs. They treat foot and ankle fractures, often requiring surgical repair to realign and stabilize bones with hardware like screws or plates.
Conditions Requiring Podiatric Surgery
Many foot and ankle conditions may necessitate surgical intervention by a podiatrist when conservative treatments prove insufficient. Severe bunions often require surgery if they cause pain or interfere with walking or shoe wear. Hammertoes may require surgery if they become rigid or painful despite non-surgical approaches.
Chronic Achilles tendonitis or injuries, including tears, can lead to persistent pain and limited mobility, making surgical repair a consideration. Recurring ingrown toenails that cause chronic infection or discomfort may also be surgically addressed. Nerve entrapments, such as Morton’s neuroma or tarsal tunnel syndrome, can cause debilitating pain, numbness, or tingling, often leading to surgical decompression if other treatments fail.
Foot and ankle fractures can require surgery to ensure proper healing and restore function. Arthritic conditions affecting foot and ankle joints, causing pain and stiffness, may be managed surgically through joint fusion or replacement to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
Podiatrist vs. Orthopedic Surgeon
Both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons treat foot and ankle conditions, but their training and focus differ. Podiatrists receive specialized training exclusively on the foot, ankle, and lower leg, earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. Their education and residency are dedicated to this specific anatomical region, providing in-depth expertise.
Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who complete a residency covering the entire musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, and joints. While some orthopedic surgeons pursue additional fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery, their broader training encompasses conditions from the spine to the extremities.
The distinction often lies in the scope and complexity of cases. Podiatrists frequently manage routine foot conditions, nail problems, and common foot and ankle injuries, including fractures and bunions. Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons may handle more complex cases, such as severe trauma, intricate reconstructive surgeries, or conditions linked to broader musculoskeletal issues. Both professionals are equipped to diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems, and in some instances, they collaborate for comprehensive care.