A foot doctor is called a podiatrist, also known as a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) . Podiatrists are medical specialists who help with problems that affect your feet or lower legs. They can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. Podiatrists have their own schools and professional associations, and they complete a residency after graduating from podiatry school.
Orthopedists, or orthopedic surgeons, are medical doctors who can also treat issues of the foot and ankle, in addition to other parts of the body. However, their approach to foot care usually focuses on surgery. Orthopedists complete about five years of residency training after graduating from medical school.
In general, 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.
