A useful footnote to patients about podiatrists and foot and ankle specialists
The foot is arguably the most complex part of the skeletal system with 33 joints, 26 bones, and more than 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Your foot alone comprises almost 25% of every bone in your body.
Both orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists in Upland specialize in foot and ankle care. If your foot and ankle are giving you any problem, you may be wondering who you should visit for treatment. How can you identify who is best for you?
Orthopedics
Orthopedics is the medical specialty dedicated to the prevention, rehabilitation, treatment, and diagnosis of diseases and injuries in your musculoskeletal system. Soon after undergoing postgraduate orthopedic residency training, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons study for another year in which they get trained for advanced foot and ankle reconstruction.
Certain common conditions that foot and ankle orthopedic specialists include are:
- Plantar fibroma and fibromatosis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia foot pain
- Lisfranc injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Broken bones, stress fractures, and sprains
- Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis
Since some foot and ankle problems originate from your lower back, hip, or your knee, orthopedic surgeons will treat complicated lower extremity conditions in conjunction with your remaining body.
Podiatry
The podiatrists focus on the foot and ankle since day one of their podiatric medical school and residency. Podiatrists offer care for joints, soft tissues, and bones of the foot and ankle, but also the abnormal mechanics and skin conditions of the lower extremity. Following are certain conditions that podiatrists normally treat:
- Plantar fasciitis, neuromas, bone spurs, and heel pain
- Fallen arches
- Deformities of the feet (hammertoes, bunions)
- Chronic wounds related to diabetes or other illnesses
- Ingrown toenails and calluses
- Pain, instability, arthritis, joint diseases
Both orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, both surgically and non-surgically. Generally, the best option is to select the doctor you feel the most comfortable with, or who has the most experience treating your specific condition.
If you’re looking for a podiatrist in Upland, you can call Empire Foot and Ankle Center now – we’re the best at what we do!