The field of medical science is expanded and huge. It’s the only area of study that is associated with numerous professions. There are specialists for every health disease, from eye specialists to heart surgeons. With the increase in the number of jobs, there is a corresponding increase in competition.
A patient would never know what goes on between different doctors. That does not mean various healthcare specialists dislike each other or work against other doctors. Various specialists can perform some treatments. Allergic problems can be treated by an ENT specialist and a physician until the situation gets worse.
Likewise, orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work on a few similar surgeries that create a barrier between both of these specialists.
Who Are Orthopedic Specialists?
Orthopedic specialists are responsible for treating and detecting problems related to the musculoskeletal system. Any health issue related to bones, joints, and muscles is known to be cured by orthopedics. These conditions include arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and elbow or knee fractures. All of these related issues are either treated with the help of surgeries or without surgeries based on required prescriptions.
Who Are Podiatrists?
Podiatrists are in charge of treating bones and tissues of the foot and ankle. They deal with the structure of the leg, mainly the lower leg. Doctors of podiatric medicine can cure and diagnose other health problems related to the foot, such as foot pain and skin diseases. They can help to overcome bone fractures, tissue breakage, and pain in the lower leg.
Podiatrists also treat sportspeople and help them with their foot problems. Anyone facing difficulty in moving and experiencing severe pain can consult Podiatrists.
How Roles Of Orthopedics And Podiatrists Differ?
Doctors of Orthopedics and Doctors of Podiatrics are two different professions. Even though they have similar education and work, their roles are different. People often need clarification about whom to refer to when they come across any problem related to health issues. The analysis below will help you to know the difference between both positions and how to identify which type of health specialist should be your preference.
A podiatrist has general knowledge of the leg but mainly focuses on the ankles and feet. In contrast, an orthopedic surgeon works on the overall musculoskeletal system of the body, including joints, limbs, and muscles. Some orthopedics also specialize in different areas, such as knee joints and hip bones.
Orthopedic surgeons are better trained than podiatrists. They do not have to work on any research to diagnose any bone disease or muscle inflammation. A podiatrist can identify the minor problems caused by diabetes or skin infection but cannot accurately detect the issue from a distance.
An orthopedic specialist knows all the bits and pieces related to bones and joints. They can identify the cause of the problem with the help of pressure points. To check whether a patient gets triggered by pressure on any side of their affected body part is a talent that orthopedics has. Podiatrists do not know pressure points and bone impairment.
Therefore, these doctors can detect the issue by moving the ankles but cannot treat you correctly. If your problem is minor, then you can consult a podiatrist directly. However, if your case is severe and you observe extensive pain and deformity, then only an orthopedic can assist you.
Why Connections Between Podiatrists And Orthopedics Are Not Up To The Mark?
Both orthopedic surgeons and podiatrist specialists are professional doctors. Known for their job roles and highly qualified education, these doctors perform crucial medical surgeries. These surgeons have their specialty and do what they are best at. But still, there is some bitterness in between their relationships.
· Both Podiatrists and Orthopedics complete their education in five years. But in these five years, orthopedics learn about the whole body, whereas podiatrists only gain knowledge of the foot and ankle. Orthopedics attend multiple clinical trainings and sessions, and therefore, they have a better understanding of bones and joints.
· Podiatrists have an understanding of surgeries and treatments. However, they only have general knowledge as compared to orthopedics. Doctors of Podiatry can perform operations, but only general ones. What orthopedics don’t like is that, despite less information and understanding, podiatrists are conducting treatments that belong to the orthopedics department.
· As orthopedics are more skilled, they believe podiatrists should not perform foot surgeries. Not because they are not properly trained but also because they do not hold any specialization degree. In comparison, most orthopedicians continue their studies and choose one area of specialization. Orthopedic doctors can specialize in hands, shoulders, knees, and more.
· Another reason that orthopedics stay furious with podiatrists is because the two of them are getting approximately equal salaries. Orthopedics hate that their workload is more; they perform multiple operations and earn similar amounts to podiatrists.
· Podiatrists are not eligible to conduct CT scans or MRIs either. They can surely recommend the tests and identify the cause from reports. Based on the results, podiatrists carry out further treatment processes. Orthopedic doctors presume that podiatrists should not be allowed to execute any operation related to foot and ankle because of less training and practice.
BOTTOM LINE
Healthcare specialists are indeed lifesavers. Not all diseases can be easily covered up and treated effortlessly. It is important to seek specialized diagnoses for some health issues. That is the reason you are always urged to find a specialist. Orthopedics and podiatrists also fulfill their duties and treat problems linked to bones and muscles.
But why do orthopedic surgeons hate podiatrists? It’s because orthopedics are specialized and can prevent every issue related to bones and joints in any part of the body. On the contrary, podiatrists only treat problems associated with feet and ankles.
Orthopedics can diagnose health problems and provide smooth surgeries due to their medical practice. Likewise, podiatrists deal with their patients steadily but cannot detect all sorts of health issues due to differences in their learning process. Both doctors are valuable and qualified. It’s just their difference in the education system and training that forms a border between them.