What is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot specialist?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are over 18,000 licensed podiatrists in the United States, yet many people remain unsure what sets them apart from other foot specialists. Understanding what is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot specialist is essential for making an informed decision about your healthcare.

Quick Summary

The term 'foot specialist' is a broad, non-specific label that can refer to various healthcare professionals, including physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons. A podiatrist, however, is a specific medical doctor (DPM) with specialized, focused training exclusively on the feet and ankles.

Key Points

Podiatrist vs. Generalist: A podiatrist is a highly specific, licensed medical professional (DPM), whereas "foot specialist" is a broad term that can include other practitioners like orthopedic surgeons or physical therapists.
Focused Training: Podiatrists undergo focused, exclusive training on the feet, ankles, and lower legs, dedicating their entire education and residency to these areas.
Comprehensive Scope of Practice: Podiatrists treat a wide range of common to complex foot issues, including surgical and non-surgical treatments, with a specific emphasis on biomechanics and skin conditions.
Systemic vs. Specific Expertise: An orthopedic foot and ankle specialist is an MD with training in the entire musculoskeletal system, making them ideal for complex, systemic issues, while a podiatrist's expertise is contained below the knee.
Choosing Care: For routine care, common issues like bunions or ingrown nails, and diabetic foot management, a podiatrist is often the ideal choice. For severe trauma, advanced arthritis, or reconstructive surgery, an orthopedic specialist may be more appropriate.
Collaboration: Many healthcare teams include both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons to provide a full spectrum of care, depending on the severity and nature of the patient's condition.

Demystifying the Terminology

When experiencing foot or ankle pain, you might search for a "foot specialist." However, this can bring up several different types of professionals, from physical therapists to orthopedic surgeons. This broadness is why clarifying the role of a podiatrist (a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM) is so important.

What Exactly is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a medical and surgical specialist who dedicates their education and practice solely to the treatment of the feet, ankles, and related structures of the leg. To become a DPM, a candidate must complete four years of podiatric medical school, followed by a three-year hospital-based residency program. This rigorous training equips them to handle a wide range of conditions, both common and complex.

Podiatrists are experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the lower extremities. Their care can be non-surgical, involving orthotics, physical therapy, or medication, or surgical, performing procedures from bunion correction to reconstructive ankle surgery. A podiatrist's highly focused training makes them an authority on all things related to foot and ankle health.

The Broad Category of "Foot Specialist"

The label "foot specialist" is not a protected medical title and is therefore more of a general descriptor. It can be used to describe several types of medical professionals who treat foot-related problems, including:

Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons: These are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who have completed general medical school, a five-year orthopedic surgery residency (focused on the entire musculoskeletal system), and an additional one-year fellowship specializing in the foot and ankle. Their comprehensive training includes the intricate biomechanics of the entire body, allowing them to treat complex trauma and systemic issues.
Physical Therapists: A physical therapist (PT) may specialize in foot and ankle rehabilitation, helping patients recover from injuries or surgery through targeted exercises and therapeutic techniques.
Other Healthcare Providers: In some cases, a chiropractor or even a general practitioner might be referred to as a foot specialist for certain conditions, though their expertise is far less specialized than a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon.

The Key Differences in Training and Focus

The primary distinction between a podiatrist and other types of foot specialists lies in their educational path and overall scope of practice. This affects the types of conditions they are best suited to treat.

Podiatrist (DPM) vs. Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon (MD/DO)


Feature	Podiatrist (DPM)	Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon (MD/DO)
Education Path	4 years Podiatric Medical School + 3 years Residency	4 years Medical School + 5 years Orthopedic Residency + 1 year Foot/Ankle Fellowship
Focus	Exclusively on the feet, ankles, and lower legs.	The entire musculoskeletal system, with specialized training in the foot and ankle.
Credential	Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)	Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Common Cases	Ingrown toenails, fungal infections, warts, diabetic foot care, bunions, heel pain, custom orthotics.	Complex fractures, severe arthritis, joint degeneration, reconstructive surgery, systemic issues affecting feet.

How to Choose the Right Specialist

Choosing the correct specialist depends largely on the nature of your condition. For many common foot ailments, a podiatrist is the ideal choice due to their focused expertise. Their training is specifically designed for routine foot care, biomechanical issues, and problems that can be managed conservatively.

However, if your condition is severe, involves complex trauma, or is potentially linked to systemic issues throughout the body, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon may be more appropriate. In many cases, primary care physicians or podiatrists will refer patients to an orthopedic specialist if their condition falls outside their specialized scope.

Reasons to see a Podiatrist:

Routine foot care, especially for diabetic patients.
Chronic issues like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.
Nail problems, including ingrown or fungal toenails.
Common skin conditions on the feet, such as warts, corns, or calluses.
Requesting custom orthotics for foot support.
Minor injuries like sprains.

Reasons to see an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon:

Severe trauma, such as a complex ankle fracture.
Advanced arthritis requiring joint replacement.
Reconstructive surgery for severe deformities.
Problems potentially related to other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

The Collaborative Approach

It is also important to note that many practices take a collaborative approach, with podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons working together to provide comprehensive care. This multidisciplinary method ensures that patients receive the highest level of care, no matter the complexity of their issue. Your foot and ankle health are crucial to your overall well-being, so consulting with a qualified professional is always the right step.

For more information on the scope of podiatric medicine, you can consult the American Podiatric Medical Association, an authoritative resource on foot and ankle health. Learn more about podiatry from the APMA here.

Conclusion

While a podiatrist is a specialized medical professional focusing on feet and ankles, the term "foot specialist" is a generic label that can refer to various experts. A podiatrist's specific training makes them the go-to expert for most common foot ailments, while orthopedic surgeons specializing in the foot and ankle are best suited for complex musculoskeletal issues and major surgical interventions. By understanding the distinct roles, you can ensure you are seeing the most qualified professional for your specific foot care needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM). They are qualified physicians and surgeons who have completed extensive medical and surgical training focused on the feet and ankles.

See a podiatrist for common issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, or diabetic foot care. Consult an orthopedic surgeon specializing in feet and ankles for severe trauma, complex fractures, or advanced arthritis requiring major surgery.

Yes, a podiatrist is a trained surgeon who can perform a wide variety of surgical procedures on the feet and ankles, from minor in-office procedures to complex hospital-based surgeries.

While your primary care physician can offer initial diagnosis and treatment for some minor foot issues, they will likely refer you to a specialized podiatrist if the condition is persistent or requires specialized care.

Whether you need a referral depends on your insurance plan. Some plans allow you to see specialists directly, while others require a referral from your primary care physician. It's best to check with your insurance provider.

Podiatrists treat a broad range of conditions, including heel pain, sports injuries, foot and ankle sprains, fractures, bunions, hammertoes, arch problems, nerve issues, and skin and nail conditions like warts, corns, and fungal infections.

No, they are different. An orthopedic foot specialist is an MD/DO who is an orthopedic surgeon with additional training in the foot and ankle. A podiatrist is a DPM. The main distinction is their foundational medical education and scope of practice.