Plantar Fasciitis from Chicago Health SMB Brands on Vimeo.
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.
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. Allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians are not certified in specialty foot and ankle surgery, nor do they presently function under the quality assurance tool of a certificate of added qualifications for the same within their respective specialties. Any credentialing comparisons between MD and DO colleagues and podiatric foot and ankle surgeons should be based on specialty-specific foot and ankle training, not generalized years of training.
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.
Upon noticing pain and discomfort in your lower limbs, you might want to have it checked by a specialist to diagnose the cause. The general guideline to follow when you experience a foot or ankle problem is to reach out to a podiatrist first. On the other hand, you should visit your orthopedist if you have any issues with other parts of your musculoskeletal system.
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.
This is true in the diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common musculoskeletal condition of the foot. It is characterized by heel or arch pain, especially upon getting up in the morning from bed or out of a chair, or it may worsen as one walks over the course of the day. The pain is caused by the pulling of the ligament on the bottom of the foot. This may cause the heel bone to develop a spur to protect itself, but the spur is not the cause of the pain.
Most plantar fasciitis does not require surgery. The key is identifying why the fascia is overloaded in the first place. This often involves foot structure, calf tightness, gait mechanics, and shoe support. Podiatrists also perform surgery for this condition, but it is rare, as less invasive, even simple and inexpensive, treatment methods are effective. Treatment may include supportive shoe changes, stretching, anti-inflammatory strategies, custom orthotics, immobilization, injection therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) depending on severity and duration. There are many forms of the above that may be used. More advanced therapies may also be utilized, such as custom orthotics, a treatment method rarely used by orthopedic surgeons, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy. However, the condition rarely needs surgery.
When Heel Pain Should Be Evaluated Quickly
pain with first steps
pain lasting more than 6 weeks
limping
swelling
pain after failed PT
suspected tear
Podiatric surgeons, therefore, are more specialized and detailed in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, as the foot and ankle are their specialty.
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. “Excellent! I followed what Dr. Hoy said to do to get rid of plantar fasciitis, and it worked–never came back.” -Kendel L.
