Generally, if you have an injury, condition or other symptoms impacting your foot and ankle health, it's best to see a podiatrist. If any of this also affecting another part of your musculoskeletal system, you should consider seeing an orthopedist.
Some of the medical conditions podiatrists treat include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot complications from diabetes, ankle and foot arthritis, nerve problems, tendonitis, hammertoes, flat feet, nail disorders, bunions, warts, fungus, fractures, and sprains.
Unlike podiatrists that only treat the foot and ankle, an orthopedic doctor also treats other body parts such as the knees, hips, and spine. If podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors, orthopedists are bone and joint specialists. Orthopedists can treat various musculoskeletal issues.
The only discernible difference between them is that an orthopedist manages parts of the foot and ankle that pertain to the bones, soft tissues and joints, while a podiatrist manages the same areas, but also the biomechanics and dermatology of the foot and ankle.
More specifically, a podiatrist is trained to be a doctor of podiatric medicine and can perform surgery, prescribe drugs, and order lab tests. A podiatrist can also treat and perform surgery for common foot problems such as ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, foot ulcer treatment, corns, calluses and more.
Medicare Part B covers podiatry services for medically necessary treatment of foot injuries, diseases, or other medical conditions affecting the foot, ankle, or lower leg.
Does Medicare cover Podiatry? Yes, BUT only to those eligible and referred by a G.P. Medicare implemented a scheme in 2004 for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, long term arthritis and vascular disease.
Both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, surgically and non-surgically. In general, the best bet is to choose the doctor you feel the most comfortable with, or who has the most experience treating your particular condition.
Podiatric surgeons, therefore, are more specialized and detailed in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, as the foot and ankle are their specialty.
If discomfort or injury is already making it difficult for you to move around and do your daily activities (e.g. walking up the stairs or carrying grocery bags), then it's time that you see an orthopaedist. The earlier you seek help, the lesser the chances that your condition may worsen.
A podiatrist is an expert on every part of the foot. See a podiatrist if you have foot pain or injury. Get urgent medical care if you have any of these symptoms for more than one or two days: severe pain.
Are They Doctors? Podiatrists are doctors, but they don't go to traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations. They also have "DPM" (doctor of podiatric medicine) after their names instead of "MD" (medical doctor).
A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot, ankle, and lower limb issues.
It'll ask you questions about your current foot problems, medical conditions, medications taken, and any previous surgeries. You'll be asked about your habits related to your feet, and the questionnaire will include questions about your family medical history.
1. Athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is most commonly caused by walking in damp areas.
Podiatric specialists deal specifically with the muscles, joints, tissues, and bones of the feet. They're known as “foot doctors” for a reason! In severe cases, or in cases that do not respond to treatment, your general practitioner is likely to recommend you to a podiatry specialist.
If these approaches do not provide symptom relief, our highly trained orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists can perform surgery to treat plantar fasciitis.
Other methods a podiatrist may use to reduce pain and treat plantar fasciitis include physical therapy, night splints that gently stretch the plantar fascia, orthotics that correct can help distribute weight more evenly, steroids to reduce inflammation and pain, and shock wave therapy that initiates the body's healing ...
Orthopedic surgeons can repair broken bones and injuries to muscles and tendons, among other things and help improve function and reduce or eliminate pain. They can also work in conjunction with other specialists such as therapists, rehabilitation doctors and pain management specialists to optimize treatment.
Lower back pain is one of the most common orthopedic issues. Almost everyone experiences back pain at some time in life. Often, it is mild and goes away after some time. However, in some cases, symptoms are significant enough that they require medical attention.
Approximate costs for the common procedures are: Hallux rigidus: $3000 per foot. Hallux valgus (Bunion): $2200 per foot. Neuroma excision: $2200.
If you are self-funding you do not require a referral from anyone. You can contact us direct to make an appointment that suits you. If you have private health insurance then you sometimes require a referral from your GP, Orthopaedic surgeon or other allied health professional.
You do not need a referral to visit a podiatrist. A visit to your podiatrist can be claimed from your private health insurance. To find a podiatrist in your area, visit The Australian Podiatry Council (external site).