If you have a foot or ankle problem like a bunion, hammertoe, or heel pain, the first specialist you see can affect how quickly you get the right diagnosis and treatment. At Seattle Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. J. John Hoy provides direct podiatric evaluation for both non-surgical and surgical foot conditions—often helping patients avoid fragmented referrals through multiple specialties.
For hammertoes and other foot-related issues, it is generally recommended to see a podiatrist over an orthopedist due to their specialized training. Podiatrists are dedicated foot and ankle doctors and surgeons, with a curriculum geared specifically towards this area. In fact, podiatric foot and ankle surgeons perform 80% of reconstructive forefoot surgeries in the United States. This specialization allows podiatrists to better address conditions like hammertoes, which are common forefoot deformities.
Why Patients in Seattle Often See a Podiatrist First
- Foot-specific diagnosis
- Imaging review
- Conservative treatment
- Surgery if needed
- Orthotics and biomechanics
- Direct referral coordination when needed
The main difference lies in the body systems they treat. Orthopedic surgeons are concerned with bones, muscles, ligaments and joints throughout the body. They are bone and joint surgeons. Podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors and surgeons. As such, there are overlaps between the two. Both are concerned with bones, muscles, ligaments and joints in the foot.
Outside of this, orthopedic surgeons are concerned with other areas of the body, including knees, hips, spine. Podiatrists go into their field knowing from day one that they will be physicians and surgeons of the foot and ankle. Their curriculum and course of study is geared toward that end. So even though an orthopedic surgeon may have some experience or training in the foot and ankle, it does not compare in terms of commitment and depth of training in the foot and ankle, all systems, that a podiatrist receives over many years of schooling, residency and fellowship. As a result podiatric foot and ankle surgeons perform 80% of reconstructive forefoot surgeries in the United States.
Although both specialists can treat foot and ankle conditions, it is best to get help from podiatrists for foot-related issues. Podiatrists have more specialized skills and training for foot and ankle health. They also manage the dermatology and biomechanics of this area, making them the better option for foot-related problems.
Both podiatrists and orthopedists can help with foot and ankle conditions and protect your feet from injury. Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care. Conversely, orthopedists cater to general musculoskeletal problems. Although an orthopedist technically has studied foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist specializes in them. This specialization allows a podiatrist to better address issues unique to your foot and ankle.
Hammertoes are one of the most common forefoot deformities treated by podiatrists. They often cause pain in shoes, corns, calluses, and progressive toe contracture. Early evaluation can prevent worsening deformity and reduce the need for more extensive reconstruction. Hammertoes are bent toes or contracted toes. This is a very common condition seen in the office. Hammertoes can cause pain in shoes as well as create painful corns and calluses. Treatment for hammertoes includes wearing deep toebox shoes. Treatment ranges from shoe modifications and padding to surgical correction when conservative care fails. Surgical options may include tendon balancing, joint realignment, bone procedures, or fixation depending on the deformity.
Hammertoe correction requires precise understanding of toe alignment, tendon balance, joint mechanics, and weight distribution. As a board-certified foot surgeon, Dr. Hoy evaluates the full mechanics of the foot—not just the toe itself—to improve both comfort and long-term function.
When to See a Podiatrist for Hammertoes in Seattle
- painful corns
- toes rubbing shoes
- crossover toes
- recurrent calluses
- pain under the ball of the foot
Podiatric surgeons, therefore, are more specialized and detailed in the treatment of hammertoes, as the foot and ankle are their specialty.
What Other Foot & Ankle Conditions Does a Podiatrist Treat in Seattle?
- A podiatrist at Seattle Foot and Ankle Center treats a range of related foot and ankle conditions beyond hammertoes, including Bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, Neuromas, Flatfoot, and Sports Injuries. Treatment options often involve Custom Orthotics and Foot Surgery, depending on the specific diagnosis. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoy in downtown Seattle for diagnosis and treatment of these and other foot and ankle conditions. Same-week appointments may be available.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoy at Seattle Foot and Ankle Center in downtown Seattle for diagnosis and treatment of bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and other foot and ankle conditions. Same-week appointments may be available.
“He was welcoming and listened well to the concerns I presented. I especially liked that I was able to write down my problem before I came in and he addressed them efficiently. I was diagnosed with a much different problem than I had been given before, and Dr. Hoy explained his simple, methodical method for his diagnosis as we went. I felt extremely cared for and like I will be able to make progress on my problem before I see him again. Definitely see Dr. Hoy if you’ve had problems seeing a general practitioner or orthopedist with no luck. It may be that you need a more specialized opinion.” -Samuel S.
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