What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a podiatrist?
A. Orthopedic surgeons are physicians who have completed four years of medical school and then received specialty training during a five-year orthopedic surgery residency program. These specialists diagnose and treat all conditions related to the musculoskeletal structure of the body, which includes the muscles and bones, as well as the spinal column. The physicians at the Texas Foot & Ankle Center have an additional area of specialty in foot and ankle surgery. A podiatrist is a health professional who attends a four-year college of podiatry school to learn about the examination, diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions. Some podiatrists go on to complete a course of additional training for one or more years after podiatry school. Unlike orthopedic surgeons, however, podiatrists are not able to evaluate patients in the emergency room or admit them to the hospital. Q. How do I know if my ankle is sprained or fractured? A. After treating the injury with RICE – rest, ice, compression an
