Difference Between Orthopedist and Podiatrist?

I work in a hospital. Both podiatrists and orthopaedists perform surgery on the feet. The difference is that an orthopaedic is a medical doctor - obtains his 4 year college degree, goes on to 4 years medical school, performs a one year general internship, then goes on to a 3 or 4 year orthopaedic surgery residency. Performs surgery not only on feet, but on any bone in the body. A podiatrist goes to podiatric school, then usually will complete a one year internship. They train in feet only. The orthopaedic surgeon would be my choice since they are a medical doctor and have such extensive training and specialize in bones.

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I have seen something at I think Walgreens. It is this little thing that you put two toes into, one toe into each little hole. the thing is flat on the bottom and what looks like an "m" on the top that the toes go into. It is suppost to keep the toes straight with out discomfort.

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If you live in the central valley, take her to the pediatric orthopedists at Children's Hospital. Since they specialize in kids, they will know the most appropriate course of treatment ( be it physical therapy or surgery). In the meantime, I agree that you need to treat her pain, especially if it interferes w/ her activity or sleep. Good luck and let us know what happens!

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My son has seen both. I'd say go for it see an orthopedic doc. He/she will examine your child's legs,feet,trunck and make sure they are work properly. Has your child had any trouble walking or any delayed milestones? Maybe the ortho can give you better advise on your child.

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A podiatrist focuses only on disorders of the feet, while an orthopedic surgeon has a wider perspective of the whole body. Particularly, orthopedic surgeons relate to the joints of the body.
So, podiatrists are somewhat of a specialist under orthopedics, but are not recognized as such.

We use Arnica gel for pain relief on so many things. It is natural and pretty effective. It may help until you have a resolution. Good luck!

T.
Founder
www.theparentpack.org

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Dear L.,
I will say do go see a orthopedist. May be you could try to find a pediatric orthopedist. But in the mean time give your child tylonal for discomfort. I'm saying until you can see a orthopedist. You do not want your child to be so uncomfortable that he or she looses the much needed sleep. I'm living proof what not to do. My son had a short muscle in his back legs and he had muscle spasms galore. We couldn't get him a specailist until he was around 3-4 and he still suffers till this day. So please take this into heart. M. Petersen

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I would try the orthopedist and see what happens and if you still aren't getting the help you need, you may want to try a chiropractor. My son (2 1/2 years) has skin and digestive problems, I know this is even close to what you are going through, however, he was crying and itching a lot and the doctors I took him to wanted to medicate and try steriods which I was totally against. I took him to my chiropractor and he has been much happier and a lot more involved in everything. Hope this helps . . . T.

a podiatrist specializes in feet, and othropedist specializes in all bones including the feet. I might suggest that you see Dr. Todd Shaprio if you live in Bakersfield, he's an excellent orthopedic surgeon and a nice man, if he can't fix it he will refer you to someone who can.
good luck

this might sound really weird and crazy, but have you tried lightly taping her toe to the one on the other side, gently with bandage tape? when toes are broken, this is what they do to heal them, and i know her toe is not broken but i wonder if taping it gently would persuade it to grow straighter? im not a doctor and obviously you should check with one before you try this, but its the only thing i can think of that you havent tried already. a podiatrist is a foot doctor and an orthopedist is a bone specialist. good luck!

Dear L.,

You need to go to an Orthopedist - they do surgery, which is probably what will have to happen. They know what they are doing, so trust them, except if they tell you that there is nothing to be done, then keep on going to doctors until one of them will help your.
Good Luck, C. N.