When To See a Podiatrist vs. an Orthopedic Doctor for Foot Pain

Are you waking up with stabbing heel pain? Or maybe a bunion makes even slipping on shoes a challenge? You’re not alone.

Nearly 77% of Americans experience foot pain, but for some, it’s more than just a nuisance. In some cases, delaying treatment can worsen symptoms, leading to chronic pain or permanent structural problems.

But who should you call for help? How do you know if a podiatrist in Brooklyn, NY, is the right choice? The key is understanding the difference between a podiatrist vs. an orthopedic doctor. It’ll save you time and maybe a few painful steps.

Finding the Right Foot Doctor in Brooklyn, NY 

About 25% of the bones in your body are in your feet, along with muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. It’s no wonder they can feel sore after a long day walking across the city. 

Aching feet from uncomfortable shoes or overuse usually improve with rest. But chronic foot pain? That’s another story. Persistent discomfort can stem from:

• Overuse or injury: Running, sports, or heavy labor can stress or injure your foot and ankle.
• Structural abnormalities: Flat feet, high arches, or bunions can gradually cause pain.
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, arthritis, or obesity can impact foot health.

What a Podiatrist in Brooklyn Actually Does

A doctor of podiatric medicine is a foot and ankle specialist. They handle both surgical and non-surgical treatments for a wide range of foot problems, from minor annoyances to serious conditions that could significantly impact your life and ability to walk.

Common foot and ankle conditions that a podiatrist in Brooklyn can treat include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spur
• Nerve pain
• Gout
• Ingrown toenails
• Corns and calluses
• Bunions and hammertoes
• Diabetic foot care

These doctors focus solely on the lower extremities and have specialized knowledge about foot mechanics, gait, and injury prevention. They can provide custom orthotics, recommend supportive footwear, and help manage wounds for patients with diabetes or vascular issues. Basically, if something’s going on with your feet, they can figure it out. 

When an Orthopedic Doctor Makes More Sense 

Orthopedic doctors, or orthopedic surgeons, focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body. While they do treat foot and ankle problems, their expertise extends to complex injuries and conditions that may involve multiple joints. For example, chronic foot pain caused by knee or hip misalignment might require an orthopedic perspective for proper treatment.

So when should you call an orthopedist in Brooklyn, NY? 

• Severe fractures or trauma
• Advanced arthritis or degenerative joint disease
• Tendon ruptures
• Complex foot deformities affecting mobility

If your pain goes beyond a sore heel or swollen toe, that’s your cue.

Not Sure Who to Call for Foot Pain? Here’s How to Decide

Understanding the difference between a podiatrist vs. an orthopedic doctor can point you in the right direction of which one you should see for your issue. 

A podiatrist is the best choice for help with skin and nail conditions like ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, and wound care. American Medical Association statistics reveal that about 34% of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers, and without proper care, those lesions could lead to foot amputation. Podiatrists also handle other diabetic foot care, like neuropathy treatment. 

They’re also the go-to for help with persistent pain from common conditions like plantar fasciitis. About one in 10 people struggles with this condition at some point, which can make getting out of bed painful. Foot deformities, like bunions, hammertoes, and other structural abnormalities, also fall under the umbrella of a podiatrist. 

When to See an Orthopedic Doctor

Orthopedic surgeons provide a broader perspective on musculoskeletal health and can perform surgeries on bones and joints throughout the body. They may be the right choice if you’re dealing with complex issues beyond the foot and ankle, such as hip, knee, or spine problems.

If your foot pain is related to systemic issues like arthritis or osteoporosis, or you’ve experienced fractures, dislocations, or severe sprains that may require surgical intervention, an orthopedist is the right provider.

When Two Foot Experts Are Better Than One

Because there’s some overlap in the conditions that these specialists treat, many patients benefit from seeing both. In such cases, deciding whether to see a podiatrist vs. an orthopedic doctor first may depend on the specific nature of the injury and the specialist’s experience.

For instance, a patient with a diabetic ulcer and arthritis may require podiatric wound care as well as orthopedic evaluation to address joint health. 

Take the Next Step Toward Better Foot Health

It can be confusing to know who to call when you have foot pain and need relief. But understanding the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedist is half the battle. When you need a foot doctor in Brooklyn, NY, Metro Healthcare Partners has a team of experienced professionals who understand the nuances of foot and ankle care. 

Our team includes both podiatrists and orthopedic specialists to provide comprehensive treatment tailored to your needs. Whatever you’re dealing with, we’re here to guide you on the path to recovery.

If foot pain is holding you back, call Metro Healthcare Partners at (718) 874-1204 to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Our office also takes most private and commercial insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get help deciding which foot specialist is right for you.

Can a Podiatrist Do Surgery?

Podiatrists can handle foot and ankle surgeries like bunionectomies, but most start with non-surgical treatments first. 

Should I See a Podiatrist vs. an Orthopedic Doctor for a Sprained Ankle?

A podiatrist can treat a mild sprain, but for severe sprains or if other joints are involved, an orthopedic doctor is more appropriate.

How Do I Know Which Specialist To See?

The first choice is a podiatrist for ankle or heel pain. For conditions involving multiple joints or complex musculoskeletal problems, an orthopedic doctor may be more suitable.