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.
Ready for Expert Care?
Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM sees patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI. Most insurance plans accepted.
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📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
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Ready to Get Expert Foot Care?
Dr. Biernacki and our team at Balance Foot & Ankle are accepting new patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI. Most insurances accepted.
or call (810) 206-1402
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.