A wide variety of healthcare providers deal with conditions of the feet, including podiatric physicians, orthopaedic physicians, general practitioners, physical therapists, family physicians, internists, rheumatologists, and others. Whom you see depends on your problem, and in some cases, on your health insurer or Medicare. Often healthcare providers may require you to see your family care physician (or primary care physician) before visiting any specialist.

For many people, it is confusing knowing when to see a podiatrist or an orthopedist for their foot problems. The following is information about both specialties.

Podiatric physicians

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) reports that podiatric physicians (podiatrists) are the major provider of foot care services, as shown in the charts below.

Type of provider percentage of foot care services

Podiatric physicians: 39%

Orthopaedic physicians: 13%

All other physicians: 37%

Physical therapists: 11%

Problems treated by podiatric physicians (percentage of provided care)

Corns and calluses: 83%

Toenails: 65%

Bunions: 63%

Flat feet/fallen arches 46%

Toe/joint deformities: 43%

What is a podiatrist?

A podiatric physician, also called a podiatrist, is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) -- a healthcare professional trained in the care of the feet. According to the APMA, DPMs receive conventional medical training, plus special training on the foot, ankle, and lower leg. In all of the US, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, they must pass state board examinations before they are licensed. Most require continuing medical education for license renewals.

What is an orthpaedist?

Orthopaedics (sometimes spelled "orthopedics") is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases of your body's musculoskeletal system. This is the system that allows you to move, work, and be active.

While most orthopedists practice general orthopaedics, some specialize in treating the foot. Others may specialize in the hand, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, or in pediatrics, trauma, or sports medicine. When choosing an orthopaedist for your feet, make sure you choose one with expertise in foot problems.

Orthopedists must complete up to 14 years of formal education including:

• Four years of study in a college or university.
• Four years of study in medical school.
• Five years of study in orthopaedic residency at a major medical center.
• One optional year of specialized education.

After establishing a licensed practice, an orthopaedic surgeon must pass both oral and written examinations given by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). In addition, orthopaedists spend many hours studying and attending continuing medical education courses to maintain current orthopaedic knowledge and skills.