We are often asked what the difference is between Podiatrists, Orthopedists and Pedorthists. Here is a quick summary:
Podiatrists are medical doctors who work with ankles and feet. They use medical tools that only physicians have access to, such as x-rays, bone and CT scans, medication, surgery and diagnosing. Most podiatrists have a lot of diabetic patients; either on a monitoring basis or in treating foot ulcers. They prescribe arch supports, although they don’t usually make them.
Podiatrists are limited to treating the ankles and feet. Most, but not all, perform surgery. Removing bunions, releasing hammer toes, releasing the plantar fascia are the bread and butter surgeries for most.
Orthopedists are medical doctors who work with all bones and there are those who specialize or have a special interest in ankles and feet. As with podiatrists, they use medical tools that only physicians have access to, such as x-rays, bone and CT scans, medication, surgery and diagnosing.
Orthopedic surgeons seem to prefer more reconstructive foot surgeries and they are the surgeons who respond to Emergency Rooms when there is an emergency surgical need.
Pedorthists are part of what is called the Allied Health professions. Pedorthists support physicians and others in the health industry. Some work in labs; others own and operate retail stores and some work independently as outside diabetic shoe salespersons. . Although pedorthists don’t diagnose illness, there is structured schooling, including continuing education requirements that is based upon understanding and recognizing medical diagnosing.
The pedorthic emphasis is on biomechanical, non-prescriptive practical solutions, although pedorthists are allowed to fill prescriptions related to arch supports, diabetic shoes and some foot and ankle bracing. When a podiatrist or orthopedist wants a custom arch support made for a patient, it is usually a pedorthist who makes it.