What kind of doctor do I see for foot pain?

A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to sprains and fractures, bunions, heel pain /spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses.

Do I need a podiatrist or an orthopedist?

As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it’s best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it’s best to see an orthopedic physician.

When should you see a doctor for foot pain?

You should make a doctor’s appointment after a foot injury if: you feel pain in your foot for most of the day and it’s been a few weeks since your injury. you have swelling that isn’t getting better two to five days after your injury. you feel tingling, numbness, or burning pain—especially in the bottom of your foot.

What do you call a doctor who specializes in feet?

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) with specialized training to treat disorders of the foot and ankle.

Should I see my primary doctor for foot pain?

If you regularly experience sore, tired, aching or swollen feet, it may be time to see a doctor. Foot pain may be caused by a variety of factors from arthritis to poorly fitting shoes to plantar fasciitis. Sometimes foot pain can indicate an underlying medical condition like diabetes that needs to be addressed.

When is foot pain serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you: Have severe pain or swelling. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C) Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.

What does a podiatrist do on first visit?

On your first visit, the podiatrist will obtain a thorough medical history to help identify possible areas of concern that may lead to or worsen foot and leg problems. Be prepared with any important medical records and information on the following: Current medical problems, medications and allergies. Past surgeries.

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

The primary and most important difference is the level of training each completes. Altogether, a foot and ankle surgeon will have 10+ years of training. Podiatrists attend podiatry school for four years followed by a 2-3 year residency. Altogether, a podiatrist will have 6-7 years of training.

Do podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis?

The pain of plantar fasciitis can sometimes be confused with heel spurs or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Your podiatrist can provide the correct diagnosis for any foot pain you are suffering.

What is foot pain a sign of?

Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense burning pain, numbness or tingling (peripheral neuropathy).

What does arthritis in the foot feel like?

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Symptoms Pain when you move it. Trouble moving, walking, or putting weight on it. Joint stiffness, warmth, or swelling. More pain and swelling after you rest, such as sitting or sleeping.

How do I make my foot stop hurting?

10 Home Remedies to Relieve Sore Feet

1. Draw a bath.
2. Try stretching.
3. Practice strengthening exercises.
4. Get a foot massage.
5. Buy arch supports.
6. Switch your shoes.
7. Ice your feet.
8. Take a pain reliever.

What do you call a foot person?

A podiatrist is a foot doctor. They are also called a doctor of podiatric medicine or DPM. A podiatrist will have the letters DPM after their name. This kind of physician or surgeon treats the foot, ankle, and connecting parts of the leg. An older name for a podiatrist is chiropodist, which is sometimes still used.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic doctor?

Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work side by side in hospitals and in the same group practices. The main difference lies in the body systems they treat. Orthopedic surgeons are concerned with bones, muscles, ligaments and joints throughout the body. Podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors and surgeons.

Do podiatrists cut toenails?

In most cases, yes; they regularly assist patients with toenail care. While cutting toenails may seem like a simple matter of grooming, there are actually many patients who have problems with their toenails or feet that prevent them from cutting them without professional help.