Podiatrist vs Orthopedic Foot Surgeon

Podiatrist (DPM)

A podiatrist earns a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from a 4-year podiatric medical school, followed by a 3-year surgical residency. Their training focuses exclusively on the foot and ankle from day one. They treat bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot conditions, toenail disorders, orthotics, and perform surgical correction of foot and ankle deformities. Board certification is through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS).

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon (MD/DO)

An orthopedic surgeon earns an MD or DO degree, completes a 5-year orthopedic surgery residency covering the entire musculoskeletal system, then typically completes a 1-year fellowship in foot and ankle surgery. Their training gives them a broader surgical background with specialized foot and ankle expertise. They treat complex fractures, ankle replacement, severe deformities, and revision cases. Board certification is through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).

Key Differences

Factor	Podiatrist (DPM)	Orthopedic Surgeon (MD/DO)
Training length	7 years (4+3)	10+ years (4+5+1 fellowship)
Focus area	Foot & ankle from day one	Full musculoskeletal, then foot & ankle
Scope	Foot and ankle only	Full body, specialized in foot & ankle
Bunion surgery	Yes — very common	Yes — common
Ankle replacement	Some trained surgeons	Fellowship-trained surgeons
Diabetic foot care	Primary specialty	Less common focus
Custom orthotics	Yes — common	Referral to orthotist typical
Complex trauma	Some training	Extensive training

Which Should You Choose?

See a podiatrist for: Bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, toenail problems, diabetic foot care, custom orthotics, routine foot conditions.

See an orthopedic surgeon for: Total ankle replacement, complex fractures, severe deformities, revision surgery, conditions involving both foot/ankle and knee/leg alignment.

Either can treat: Most bunion surgery, Achilles tendon repair, ankle sprains, stress fractures, flatfoot reconstruction. Choose based on the individual provider's experience and volume, not just their degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a podiatrist a real doctor?

Yes. Podiatrists earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and complete a 3-year surgical residency. They are licensed physicians who specialize in the foot and ankle.

Can a podiatrist do ankle surgery?

Yes. Podiatrists with foot and ankle surgery board certification (ABFAS) perform ankle surgery including Achilles repair, ankle fracture fixation, and ankle arthroscopy. Some are also trained in ankle replacement.

Who does ankle replacements?

Total ankle replacement is most commonly performed by orthopedic surgeons with fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery. Some podiatric surgeons with advanced training also perform ankle replacements.

Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon for bunions?

Both are well-qualified for bunion surgery. Choose based on the surgeon's experience, volume, and patient outcomes — not just their degree type.

Find a Foot & Ankle Specialist Near You

Search 82,023 foot specialists across 50 states.

Find Specialists Browse All Procedures