Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Patients ask me this question regularly: should I see a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon for my foot problem? The honest answer depends on your specific condition. Here’s the breakdown.

What Podiatrists Do

Podiatric physicians (DPMs) complete 4 years of podiatric medical school and 3 years of surgical residency training, with the entire focus on foot and ankle medicine and surgery. Podiatrists manage the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions — including complex reconstruction surgery — and are also trained in systemic conditions that manifest in the feet (diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, neuropathy).

What Orthopedic Surgeons Do

Orthopedic surgeons complete medical school (MD/DO) and a 5-year orthopedic residency covering the entire musculoskeletal system — spine, hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, AND feet/ankles. Some orthopedists subspecialize in foot and ankle (completing an additional fellowship) and have equivalent expertise to experienced podiatrists for complex cases.

See a Podiatrist For:

✓ Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, arch problems
✓ Toenail fungus, ingrown toenails
✓ Bunions (conservative and surgical)
✓ Hammertoes
✓ Diabetic foot care and wound management
✓ Custom orthotics
✓ Nerve conditions (neuroma, neuropathy)
✓ Skin conditions on the feet (warts, calluses, athlete’s foot)
✓ Most routine and complex foot/ankle conditions

See an Orthopedic Foot Specialist For:

✓ Complex trauma and fractures involving the ankle and lower leg
✓ Conditions that extend beyond the foot/ankle into the knee or hip
✓ When you want a second opinion from an MD subspecialist
✓ Very complex reconstructive cases where an orthopedic fellowship-trained surgeon’s experience is relevant

The Bottom Line

For the vast majority of foot and ankle conditions, a podiatrist is the right first call. We have deeper specialized training in the foot and ankle specifically than most generalist orthopedists. For the rare case that genuinely requires higher-level reconstruction or trauma care, a fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle specialist is appropriate — and a good podiatrist will know when to refer.

Podiatrist vs. Orthopedic Surgeon — Who Should You See for Feet?

Unsure whether to see a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon? Our board-certified podiatric surgeons offer specialized foot and ankle expertise with comprehensive surgical capabilities.

Schedule Your Consultation → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. American Podiatric Medical Association. Scope of podiatric practice. APMA, 2023.
2. DiGiovanni CW, et al. Foot and ankle core knowledge. Elsevier, 2018.
3. Pinzur MS. Current practice of foot and ankle surgery. Foot & Ankle International, 2012;33(4):321-325.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.