How To Choose Between An Osteopath And Podiatrist?

Your foot is the most complicated part of the skeletal system with 26 bones, 33 joints, and around 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. So, your foot alone comprises of 25 per cent of the body bones. Both osteopaths and podiatrists specialise in foot and ankle care. So, if you experience concerns with them, you might wonder whom to approach. How to decide who is best for you? Let us begin by understanding what each of them specialises in.

Osteopaths

They are medical specialists devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases in the musculoskeletal system. After their post-graduation, most of the osteopaths specialise in foot and ankle reconstruction, which is an additional year of training. Some of the common conditions treated by them are –

  • Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis
  • Broken bones, stress fracture, and sprains
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Ligament tear
  • Midfoot injury to ligaments and bones
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Plantar fibroma and fibromatosis

Considering most of the foot and ankle sprain originates from the knee, hip, or lower back, osteopath surgeons treat the lower extreme conditions and the rest of the body. When you search for an osteopath near me online, make sure they treat the mentioned conditions.

An osteopath acquires either an MD or DO degree. They attend a four-year medical school post which they undergo five-year general osteopathy residency, and an additional foot and ankle degree as stated.

Podiatrists

Right from the start of their medical school, podiatrists focus on ankle and foot. They offer care to bones, soft tissues, and joints of the foot and ankle. At the same time, they also emphasise on skin conditions and abnormal mechanics of the lower extremity. The other conditions they treat are –

  • Arthritis, instability, pain, and joint diseases
  • Calluses and ingrowth of toenails
  • Chronic wounds paired with diabetes and other illnesses
  • Deformities of the foot
  • Fallen arches
  • Heel ache, bone spurs, neuromas, and plantar fasciitis

Podiatrists surgeons achieve DPMs. They attend the podiatry college for four years, followed by a three- or four-years residency focusing on the lower extremity. Some of them also complete one- or two-year fellowship.

Now, both osteopaths and the best podiatrist in Melbourne can treat foot and ankle conditions. These could either require surgery or no surgery. The best bet is to opt for a doctor whom you feel comfortable around and who has the experience to treat your concern.

When you search for an osteopath or podiatrist near you, check the treatments they offer and what they specialise in. You can even check the clientele reviews. You should make sure that both have trained staff who provide complete diagnosis and treatment for the conditions.

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