Body pains can be debilitating and may stop you from doing your daily activities. Therefore, visiting your doctor is crucial to getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. However, before that, you must know which type of doctor can help you with your specific condition. For Instance, you should see an orthopedic surgeon if you have musculoskeletal problems and a podiatrist if you have foot and ankle injuries or conditions.
There are two types of providers who specialize in treating problems with the bones, joints, and muscles — orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists. Let’s discuss the difference between these two providers and where you can go in for effective pain management.
The Difference Between Orthopedic Surgeons and Podiatrists
The main difference between the two types of doctors is what they treat. Orthopedic surgeons can treat any condition related to the musculoskeletal system, while podiatrists focus only on foot and ankle problems.
Another significant difference is where they complete their training. Orthopedic surgeons complete medical school, followed by residency training in surgery. They may choose to do a fellowship, which is additional training in a specific area of orthopedics.
On the other hand, podiatrists complete their education in podiatric medical school and then do a residency in podiatry.
What Are Orthopedic Surgeons?
Orthopedic surgeons treat conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. They are licensed to practice medicine and perform surgery. They can treat anything from back pain to broken bones.
The Joint Replacement Institute has compassionate and talented orthopedic surgeons like Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs and Dr. Brian Wallace.
What Conditions Do Orthopedic Surgeons Treat?
Orthopedic surgeons treat conditions such as:
- Arthritis – inflammation in the joints
- Back pain – may result from herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis
- Bone fracture – a break in the bone due to trauma or medical conditions
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – compression of the median nerve in the wrist that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and fingers
- Dislocations – when the ends of the bone no longer align due to trauma
- Osteoporosis – causes the bones to become fragile
- Sprains and strains – stretching or tearing the ligaments or tendons from trauma or overuse.
- Tendinitis – inflammation of the tendons resulting from overuse or injury
What Is a Podiatrist?
Podiatrists treat conditions that affect the feet and ankles. That can include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and Achilles tendon problems.
Podiatrists are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. However, they usually only focus on problems with the feet and ankles.
What Conditions Do Podiatrists Treat?
Podiatrists treat conditions such as:
- Athlete’s foot – a fungal infection that causes itching, redness, and blisters on the feet
- Bunions – a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe
- Corns and calluses – thick, hardened skin that forms on the feet in response to friction or pressure
- Diabetic foot – occurs in people with diabetes, characterized by nerve damage and poor blood flow to the feet, which can lead to ulcers, infections, and amputation
- Heel pain – pain in the heel of the foot that often results from plantar fasciitis
- Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot
- Ingrown toenails – when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the flesh
Foot And Ankle Doctor in Naples, FL
You can trust the Joint Replacement Institute if you are looking for a foot and ankle doctor in Naples, FL. Our experts are highly skilled, experienced, and compassionate doctors who are committed to offering personalized care for everyone’s healthcare needs. They will evaluate your problem, assess symptoms, order tests, make a diagnosis, and devise a treatment plan that may include nonsurgical or surgical modalities to provide you with a long-lasting solution. At our facility, we also offer diagnostic imaging techniques.
You may call our friendly staff at (239) 261-2663 to learn about our services. You may also use our appointment request form to book a consultation.
We look forward to serving you!
