Podiatrist v. Orthopedist?

[yogapam]

I am afraid to wear anything other than my orthotics in runners/supportive shores or my Vionic/Orthaheels to walk any distance. The last time I did that I had a flare up. My DH and I do a lot of walking at home and especially when we travel. The Orthaheels were recommended to me by several vfers and I am so thankful! Like Jackie, I spend $ on shoes and they have to feel just right! I take my orthotics with me when I shop for runners or walking shoes.

[lorajc]

Lovely, had a nice post typed and my cat ran behind the computer and unplugged it......

Anyway, I once broke my foot and the hospital totally missed the break ......upon having complications later, went to a Podiatrist and he helped me so I've been treating with a Podiatrist.

Also, when I used to work at a Hospital, they had a Program for both Orthopod's and Podiatrists and I remember the Director always stating how the Podiatrists are so well versed on ONLY the foot and ankle. This always led me to believe that a Podiatrist was your better bet.

I have heel spur's and plantar faciitis and have had 2 sets of the injections. I've held off on my 3rd set as I've been able to keep the pain at bay with foam rolling my feet.

I usually take my foam roller in the bathroom with me when I brush my teeth and this amount of time is usually enough to keep the spasms at bay. I still have my 3rd set to get as an option should I need them, as that is what the suggested treatment is.

Hope this helps you decide.

ETA: Just wanted to add that I think it's always good to break it down, and always see the "specialist" in whatever area it is. For instance, even when I broke my wrist, the fracture was so severe, even the Orthopod wouldn't take care of me, they sent me to a Trauma Surgeon. I thought that was rather strange. I never would have thought. So say, for instance, you had a problem with your hand specifically, wouldn't you rather go to a hand surgeon rather than just an orthopod?

[Jane P.]

I have chronic foot problems and have seen 4 different podiatrists. They've all given me cortisone injections which helped, but are temporary. I also have orthotics. Unlike yogapam, I did not find the pain of the injections to be all that bad.

All I can say is to try a podiatrist, try more than one if you don't get satisfaction, and if your plan allows it. You could also consider nontraditional methods such as acupuncture. It helps some people.

However, be honest with your practitioner about the type of exercise you do so they know the kind of strain you put on your feet.

[bfit]

I've had a few foot problems (but not PF), and I've found a podiatrist more helpful than my general doctor and than an orthopedist. It's true that what they can do is basically the same as what anyone else can do, but podiatrists are specialists in the feet, and they've seen a lot of the common foot problems like PF. Also, I think one thing that podiatrists definitely do better than other doctors is orthotics. For me orthotics helped immensely, and the podiatrist was really the only doctor I saw who took the time to find orthotics that worked for me. That said, I think the most important thing is find someone that you're comfortable with and that is supportive of exercise and an active lifestyle.

[JackieB]

Originally Posted by bfit

That said, I think the most important thing is find someone that you're comfortable with and that is supportive of exercise and an active lifestyle.

I went to two podiatrists before seeing one in Minneapolis who is a runner and does a lot of speaking nationally and internationally. The first two wanted to do surgery and cortisone injections and were not supportive of exercise.

The third podiatrist, who is an avid exerciser himself, was much more comprehensive with his recommendations. He is the only doctor who had me walk up and down the hall barefoot with different gaits.

My MT is also an athlete; competitive bicycling and kayaking. He understands long standing injuries.

I would also recommend finding someone you trust and are comfortable with. If you don't like the advice and RX you get from a first doctor, by all means get a second or third opinion. Upthread someone also suggested alternative treatments. I know it isn't always covered by insurance, but often times chiropractic, accupuncture or massage therapy can better address injuries and pain than our conventional western medicine.

[yogapam]

Originally Posted by Jane P.

I have chronic foot problems and have seen 4 different podiatrists. They've all given me cortisone injections which helped, but are temporary. I also have orthotics. Unlike yogapam, I did not find the pain of the injections to be all that bad.

Actually I didn't find the injection itself all that painful. But it was very painful to walk on for a few days after. Perhaps I am just a wimp compared to you? One thing I was warned about with repeated cortisone injections in the heel is fat pad atrophy.

[bearcatfan]

Thanks, everyone!

I've been much more thorough about stretching. I think someone in a VF thread long ago suggested tracing the alphabet with your foot before getting out of bed and it did help this morning.

I've always had trouble with my feet. I'm sure all that past high-impact didn't help, but when I was first diagnosed with PF/tendonitis the doctor said it was because of my foot anatomy. Doesn't help with maintaining weight loss to be hobbled, that's for sure.