You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what podiatrist vs orthopedist means and what actually works. Book online or call (810) 206-1402 to book an appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Updated April 2026.
Podiatrist vs. Orthopedist: What’s the Difference?
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When foot or ankle pain is severe enough to seek specialist care, a common first question is: should I see a podiatrist or an orthopedist? Both can treat foot and ankle conditions, but they have distinct training backgrounds, scopes of practice, and areas of focus. Understanding the difference helps you get to the right specialist efficiently—and in most cases, a podiatrist is the most appropriate first specialist for foot and ankle problems.
A podiatrist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, DPM) completes four years of podiatric medical school followed by a 3-year surgical residency focused exclusively on the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists are specialists in foot and ankle medicine and surgery from the ground up—their entire training is dedicated to this anatomic region. An orthopedic surgeon (MD or DO) completes medical school, a 5-year orthopedic surgery residency covering the entire musculoskeletal system (spine, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, as well as foot and ankle), and may complete a 1-year foot and ankle fellowship for subspecialization. Board-certified foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who have completed a foot and ankle fellowship have equivalent surgical training for complex reconstructive procedures.
When to See a Podiatrist
A podiatrist is the right first choice for most foot and ankle problems. Podiatrists are experts in the full spectrum of foot and ankle care including: skin and nail conditions (ingrown toenails, fungal nails, warts, corns, calluses, wound care), biomechanical problems (flat feet, high arches, gait abnormalities, custom orthotics), diabetic foot care and prevention, heel pain (plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy), forefoot problems (bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, metatarsalgia), sports injuries of the foot and ankle, and surgical correction of most common foot deformities. Podiatrists have the broadest scope of non-surgical foot care, and many are also highly skilled foot and ankle surgeons.
If you have a general foot or ankle complaint, nail problems, skin conditions, diabetic foot concerns, or need orthotics—see a podiatrist first. Podiatrists can handle most foot and ankle conditions from diagnosis through non-surgical and surgical treatment. For complex multi-system problems or injuries involving structures above the ankle, consultation with a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon may be appropriate.
When to See a Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon
Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who have completed subspecialty fellowship training are particularly well-suited for: high-energy trauma (pilon fractures, calcaneus fractures, complex ankle fractures requiring staged reconstruction), total ankle replacement surgery, complex reconstructive procedures involving bone realignment, pediatric foot deformities requiring growth-plate considerations, and conditions involving structures immediately above the ankle (distal fibula, tibia) where orthopedic training has broader coverage. Many foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons and podiatric surgeons collaborate and co-manage complex cases—the lines are much less distinct in practice than in name.
For total ankle replacement, both fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons and foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons perform the procedure—what matters most is the individual surgeon’s volume and experience with the specific implant system, not the degree. When seeking surgery for any complex condition, ask about the surgeon’s training, case volume for your specific procedure, and outcomes data.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
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OOFOS Recovery Slide
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When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers online booking 24/7 at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a podiatrist a real doctor?
Yes. A podiatrist holds a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited podiatric medical school—a rigorous 4-year program that includes the same foundational sciences as MD programs (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology) with clinical training focused on the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. After podiatric medical school, podiatrists complete a 3-year surgical residency at accredited hospitals where they perform surgery under supervision. Board-certified podiatric surgeons are certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) or American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). In Michigan and all U.S. states, podiatrists are licensed physicians with prescribing authority and full surgical scope of practice for the foot and ankle.
Can a podiatrist do surgery?
Yes. Podiatric surgeons perform the full spectrum of foot and ankle surgery: bunion correction (osteotomies, Lapidus procedure), hammertoe repair, plantar fascia release, Achilles tendon repair, ankle ligament reconstruction, subtalar fusion, ankle fusion, and in many cases total ankle replacement. Podiatric surgery residency programs are 3 years long, hospital-based, and provide extensive operative training. Board certification in foot and ankle surgery (ABFAS) requires written and oral examination plus case log review. Many podiatric surgeons also complete additional fellowship training in foot and ankle reconstruction, sports medicine, or limb salvage.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
In most cases, no referral is needed to see a podiatrist. Many patients self-refer directly to podiatry for foot and ankle concerns. HMO health plans may require a primary care referral for specialist visits, including podiatry—check with your insurance carrier. Medicare covers podiatric services for medically necessary conditions without requiring a referral. If you have a foot or ankle problem, calling a podiatry office directly is often the most efficient route to evaluation. Bringing your insurance card and a list of current medications to your first appointment will help the office verify coverage.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — About Podiatric Medicine
- American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS)
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Find a Physician
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatric surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan. He provides comprehensive foot and ankle care—from conservative management of common conditions to complex reconstructive surgery.
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Book online 24/7 at either office.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Book online 24/7
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
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