The distinction between a podiatrist and an orthopedist is often unclear. Both doctors are specialists, although their specific specialities vary. You must first understand what each of them does in case you are unsure of which one you need to see.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
An orthopaedic physician, sometimes known as an orthopedist, is a specialist in diagnosing, caring for, and preventing illnesses and accidents involving the musculoskeletal system. This means that an orthopaedic doctor can treat you if you sustain an accident or have a condition that affects your muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, or other connective tissues.
Orthopedists frequently treat the following conditions:
- Fractures
- A sprain or a strain
- torn ligaments
- spinal disc damage
- Joint arthritic damage
- athletic injuries
Additional subspecialties for orthopaedic doctors include paediatrics, sports medicine, the spine, the upper extremities, and many more. Some orthopaedic doctors pursue additional surgical training. Orthopaedic surgeons use a range of techniques to treat conditions that are resistant to conservative therapies. Examples include repairing broken joints and mending torn ligaments. Foot and ankle health is a different area of orthopaedic medicine where a doctor might concentrate.
Podiatrist
Podiatrists in Singapore treat all orthopaedic injuries and illnesses that affect the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can treat various foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, and sprained ankles. Other ailments that podiatrists address include corns, calluses, heel spurs, falling arches, biomechanical problems, and diabetic foot care.
Podiatrists can pursue a surgical specialisation, just like orthopaedic surgeons can. In addition, podiatrists can treat orthopaedic conditions in a way that is resistant to conservative therapies. Reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle, arthroscopic foot and ankle surgery, and Charcot’s foot and limb salvage are a few of the operations that podiatric surgeons do.
Should You Visit an Orthopedist or a Podiatrist?
Deciding whether you need to see an orthopaedic doctor or a podiatrist can be a little challenging. As a general rule, it’s advisable to contact a podiatrist if you have an accident, illness, or symptoms that are harming the health of your feet or ankles. Likewise, it is advisable to contact an orthopaedic doctor if you have an illness, injury, or symptoms affecting any other portion of your musculoskeletal system. In addition, see a podiatrist if you have been advised to undergo foot or ankle surgery. A podiatrist is a better expert than an orthopaedic doctor in terms of foot and ankle health, and when it comes to surgery, you shouldn’t take a chance on an inexperienced surgeon. Other orthopaedic doctors might be able to do such treatments, though.