The feet and ankles are very complex parts of the body. It is best to put your trust in the hands of a highly trained and experienced foot and ankle expert. Primary care doctors do not have the focused training that is needed for comprehensive foot and ankle care.
If you have a foot issue that needs treatment, there are two types of doctors who can provide it: podiatrists and podiatric surgeons or foot and ankle surgeons. Choosing the right specialist equals receiving the most comprehensive treatment for your condition. While a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon can both treat disorders of the foot and ankle, there are differences between them.
Podiatrist
A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. From day one of their study and training in podiatry school, their focus has been on the foot and ankle – studying their anatomy, disorders and diseases, injuries, and possible treatments.
Here are some of the foot and ankle conditions that a podiatrist can treat with great expertise:
- Ingrown nails
- Corns and calluses
- Bunions
- Toenail fungus
- Athlete’s foot
- Warts
- Hammertoe
- Heel spurs
- Stiff big toe or hallux rigidus
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Fallen arches
- Morton’s neuroma
- Diabetic foot ulcers and wounds
- Soft tissue masses and tumors
Podiatrists can treat many foot and ankle conditions using non-surgical methods, as most respond well to such treatments. However, many podiatrists receive additional training to become podiatric surgeons or podiatrists who can perform surgery.
Podiatric Surgeons or Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Foot and ankle surgeons use a variety of surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat a range of foot and ankle conditions. Many are also trained in the use of minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopic repair, arthroscopic surgery, and endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF), which is used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis. Foot and ankle surgeons can perform surgery to treat ankle fractures, a torn Achilles tendon, synovitis, ankle arthritis, ankle sprains, ankle impingement, ankle instability, remove loose and damaged bone and cartilage, and correct structural issues like high arches and flat feet.
Ultimately, the depth of training of a podiatrist in all things foot and ankle related is incomparable to any other specialist, as they study and train exclusively in foot and ankle issues for years. To get the full spectrum of care, and for your greater convenience, it is best to choose a podiatrist who is also trained to perform surgery.
Podiatric Surgeon in Cincinnati, OH
For specialized foot and ankle care in Cincinnati, trust our board-certified podiatrists at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care. Our podiatrists provide non-surgical and surgical treatments for a wide range of foot and ankle issues and are highly skilled in the use of minimally invasive techniques. Our podiatrists have seen it all and approach every case with a high degree of professionalism.
If you have questions about our services or to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or use our convenient online appointment request form.
