You’re out on a hiking trail along Sydney’s scenic coastlines. Everything appears to be going according to your picnic plans as you marvel at the city’s natural splendor and imposing skylines. Then, suddenly, you miss a step and stumble on a rock along the path.
Initially, the injuries appear mild and manageable. But as you stagger on, it dawns on you that you might have sprained a muscle on one of your ankles.
Fortunately, you have a podiatrist and orthopedic surgeon on speed dial. You know both medical practitioners are qualified to address your condition. But who is the better doctor to contact under the present circumstances?
Well, this article shall provide a conclusive answer to that question. Read on as we explore the distinct roles of podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons so you can decide on which doctor is better suited for your condition.
Who Is A Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in treating disorders of the feet and ankles.
When you consult a professional podiatrist Sydney, the doctor will typically begin by diagnosing your problem. That involves performing physical examinations, along with constructing a profile based on your medical history, to identify the issues that impede the movement of your feet and ankles. Depending on the extent of your pain or injuries, an X-ray or MRI scan may be necessary to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the anatomy of your feet’s bone structure.
Thereafter, a podiatrist will recommend a treatment that suits your disorder. Treatments can range from medications to physiotherapy and even surgeries.
Podiatrists are one of the most specialized and in-demand medical fields. According to statistics, there were 1716 podiatrists in New South Wales as of June 2023.
Therefore, careful research is necessary while searching for a skilled podiatrist. At the very least, ask for proof of license and certifications.
Who Is An Orthopedic Surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons, commonly known simply as orthopedists, are medical practitioners devoted to treating diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic surgeons perform rigorous diagnostic tests before recommending the best treatment. But unlike podiatrists who cater exclusively to conditions of the feet and ankles, orthopaedists may treat bone, joint, and muscle issues throughout the body.
As the name suggests, orthopedic surgeons are specialized in performing surgical procedures. However, they may also recommend non-surgical interventions for less severe conditions.
Similarities Between Podiatrists and Orthopedic Surgeons
The first obvious similarity between podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons is that both are medical practitioners. That means they’re qualified to diagnose and treat specific disorders.
Podiatrists and orthopaedists also receive (more or less) similar levels of education.
An undergraduate degree in podiatry is the minimum academic requirement to qualify as a podiatrist in Australia. Aspiring podiatrists may also earn undergraduate degrees in related disciplines like Health, Applied, or Exercise Science, provided they major in Podiatry.
For orthopedic surgeons, you must be a qualified medical practitioner and complete additional training at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to specialize in orthopedic surgery.
After their respective academic training, podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons must be registered to practice. The former registers with the Podiatry Board of Australia, while the latter registers with the Medical Board of Australia. Therefore, an excellent place to kick-start your search for a podiatrist or orthopedist is by checking their registration status on the relevant boards.
Another key similarity between podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons is that professionals typically work together. It’s exciting to know if you’re sick or injured but can’t decide on the best doctor to visit. Simply consult with either medical practitioner for diagnosis. If the doctor is unable to treat your condition because it’s beyond the scope of their training, they’ll be happy to refer you to someone who can.
Differences Between Podiatrists and Orthopedic Surgeons
Podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons perform overlapping roles. However, the former is more specialized than the latter.
Below are common conditions a podiatrist may treat;
- Arthritis
- Calluses
- Toe deformities, such as ingrown toenails
- Feet deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Persistent wounds due to chronic conditions like diabetes
- Foot and ankle injuries
An orthopaedist may help with the following conditions;
- Tendinosis and Achilles tendinitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone fractures and sprains
- Plantar fasciitis and plantar fibroma
- Metatarsalgia foot pain
- Ligament tears
- Lisfranc injury
But although an orthopaedist’s job description designates them as a jack of all trades as far as treating bone disorders goes, it’s probably better to consult a qualified podiatrist for conditions specific to your feet and ankles.
Also, while both professionals can perform surgeries, most podiatrists are only trained to perform minimally invasive surgeries on the nails and adjacent skin. That’s in contrast to orthopedists who may reconstruct or replace feet and ankles, shoulders and elbows, knees and hips, hands and wrists, and the spine.
Lastly, podiatrists don’t receive training from traditional medical schools. They have their dedicated schools and professional associations.
Wrap Up
Both a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon are qualified medical practitioners whose expertise can represent valuable investments depending on the medical condition you’re dealing with. While their roles often overlap, orthopedic surgeons are primarily concerned with the strategic management of diseases and injuries to the musculoskeletal system—a core asset in maintaining physical capital. Podiatrists, on the other hand, specialize in disorders of the foot and ankles, offering targeted solutions that can yield significant returns in mobility and long-term health dividends.
The trick is understanding the specific medical issues you’re seeking intervention before consulting either doctor. Whoever practitioner suits you better, establish that they’re duly trained, certified, and licensed to practice.
