It is typically easier to decide which kind of doctor to see when you suffer from other health conditions, except foot conditions. The reason is simple: Several healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, physical therapists, podiatrists, and orthopedic surgeons, can evaluate and treat foot conditions.
This article explains the differences between a podiatric surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon and which may be the best choice for your specific needs in Brooklyn, NYC.
Who Is a Podiatric Surgeon? | Best Podiatrist in NYC
A podiatric surgeon is a healthcare provider who has extensive postgraduate training in the surgical management of ankle and foot problems, such as bunions, Achilles tendon and heel pain, and knee and ankle pain. If you live in Brooklyn, NYC, and bunions are causing you unending discomfort when you walk or wear shoes, contact one of Best Foot Dr. NY’s podiatric surgeons for bunion surgery.
A podiatric surgeon is an expert in their field, especially because they receive formal education in medical sciences and foot health. At Best Foot Dr. NY, our podiatric surgeons, including Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov, specialize in reconstructive foot surgery, trauma, and athletic injuries. We are experts in treating conditions such as bunions, Achilles tendon issues, and heel pain through both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Podiatric surgeons have specialized training in the lower leg, foot, and ankle, as well as training in biomechanics and proper foot balance. Podiatric surgeons study medicine in relation to the feet. They also spend their residency training dealing with foot and ankle conditions.
These specialists recognize the signs and symptoms of various health conditions within the lower limbs, including the side effects of diabetes. Often, a podiatric surgeon treats foot and ankle symptoms arising from other health conditions like diabetes and then liaises with a general practitioner to get you additional medical help as necessary.
Who Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon is a medical practitioner who treats various health conditions affecting the entire musculoskeletal system and not just the lower extremities. Unlike podiatric surgeons, orthopedic surgeons focus on diagnosing, treating, rehabilitating, and helping prevent diseases and injuries in your musculoskeletal system.
Many orthopedic surgeons practice general orthopedics, but others specialize in treating foot and ankle problems, hip, knee, hand, spine, and shoulder problems. Orthopedic surgeons are often best suited for complex lower extremity conditions, especially those contributing to foot and ankle pain.
Compared with podiatric surgeons, orthopedic surgeons spend less time learning about feet. However, they can opt to complete a one-year advanced fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery. If you intend to see an orthopedic surgeon, you should be sure they have some expertise in foot problems.
Otherwise, you are better off seeing Best Foot Dr. NY’s podiatric surgeon in Brooklyn, NYC. An orthopedic surgeon approaches foot care, by focusing on surgical intervention, which may not always be the best option.
Podiatric Surgeon vs. Orthopedic Surgeon
A few aspects make an orthopedic surgeon different from a podiatric surgeon. For instance, an orthopedic surgeon is a Doctor of Medicine, meaning they graduate from Medical School. On the other hand, a podiatric surgeon graduates from podiatry school and is not a Doctor of Medicine.
An orthopedic surgeon specializes in all matters concerning a patient’s musculoskeletal health. However, a podiatric surgeon is primarily a foot and ankle surgeon who is also qualified to diagnose and treat certain conditions related to the structures of the leg, including foot pain in the ball of the foot.
Many patients believe a podiatric surgeon is more qualified to care for their foot injuries and other foot conditions. These patients are not entirely wrong. However, you should not overlook the value of having your health checked out in general, especially by a specialist who understands the functioning of your broader musculoskeletal system, which plays a critical role in the health of your foot and ankle.
Orthopedic surgeons are qualified to work in different specialized areas. Still, their primary focus is on the overall health of the musculoskeletal system. If you are looking for a specialist who can diagnose and treat the impact of an injury on your musculoskeletal system, choose an orthopedic surgeon.
Furthermore, an orthopedic surgeon understands the devastating effects of diabetes and arthritis on the musculoskeletal system. If the damage goes unrecognized and treatment is focused solely on the foot, there is a greater risk of developing additional problems over time.
Understandably, podiatric surgeons can effectively manage localized foot conditions and make great toe doctors. However, an orthopedic surgeon is trained to surgically and non-surgically correct hard-to-detect stress, deformities, load pressure points, and fragility fractures in the lower extremities before they become a crisis of the limbs.
At Best Foot Dr. NY, our podiatric surgeons possess extensive training in treating various foot conditions, including bunions, neuromas, hammertoes, and sports-related injuries. With our focus solely on foot and ankle health, we offer a level of expertise that sets us apart from general orthopedic practices.
The Best Foot Doctors NYC Can Offer
If you are looking for expert podiatric treatment in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens, NYC, contact us at Best Foot Dr. NY. Our skilled podiatric surgeons specialize in treating a wide range of foot conditions, from bunion pain to toe issues, using advanced, minimally invasive treatments. With our convenient locations and commitment to providing personalized care, we are here to help you get back on your feet with confidence.