Podiatrist vs Orthopedist: What’s the Difference?
Explore the similarities and differences between these important medical doctors.
With so many different medical occupations, it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between certain professions that treat the same body part.
One such example is podiatrists and orthopedists. Both these medical doctors evaluate and treat foot and ankle conditions, but despite the overlap, the training and scope of the work is notably different.
So what is an orthopedic doctor, what do orthopedic doctors do and how do they differ from podiatrists? In this guide, you’ll learn more about the key differences between podiatrists and orthopedists, and explore the path from a medical program to practice.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a physician who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. They are experts on the vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal systems of the foot and ankle.
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
In addition to performing physical exams and tests, a podiatrist can diagnose and treat a number of conditions affecting the foot and ankle, including:
- Athlete’s foot
- Bunions
- Flat feet
- Heel spurs
- Plantar fasciitis
- Toe and hindfoot fractures
- Ulcers and wounds
Podiatrists can treat common issues, help you manage long-term conditions and perform minor to moderate surgeries.
What Is an Orthopedist?
An orthopedist, or orthopedic surgeon, has expertise in general musculoskeletal care. They are focused on diagnosis, rehabilitation and prevention of conditions found in bones, muscles, ligaments and joints everywhere in the body, including but not limited to the foot and ankle.
What Does an Orthopedist Do?
An orthopedist focuses on injuries and diseases affecting the entire musculoskeletal system, which also includes foot and ankle conditions.
What Do Orthopedists Treat?
Orthopedists treat a number of conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Bone cancer
- Congenital defects (such as club foot and hip dysplasia)
- Neck and lower back pain
- Scoliosis
- Sprains and strains
- Tendinitis
Orthopedists are surgeons but can also help people gain relief via nonsurgical therapies.
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Key Differences Between Podiatrists and Orthopedists
Both podiatrists and orthopedists are highly trained medical doctors who can provide a range of treatment options for foot and ankle conditions.
While there can be some overlap in treatments, there is a difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedist, namely in training and the overall scope of the specialization.
Scope of Practice and Specializations
Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle treatment, so they can often provide more focused care. Patients with foot and ankle problems will likely get the treatment they need from podiatrists. However, if that is accompanied by discomfort in other parts of the body (such as the legs, hips, shoulders or back) then they may need to see an orthopedist, who will have a broader focus on full musculoskeletal care.
Training and Education
There are some similarities between podiatrist education and orthopedist education.
Podiatrist training involves studying for four years to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree, while professional orthopedist training involves four years of study to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree.
Once a degree has been obtained, podiatrists must complete three to four years of foot and ankle residency training, while an orthopedist must complete five years of orthopedic residency training.
Conditions Treated
Podiatrists focus specifically on the feet and ankles, treating the bones, joints and skin issues.
Orthopedists specialize in bone and joint management of the entire body. For feet and ankle issues, they focus solely on the bones and soft tissues.
Work Environment
Podiatrists and orthopedists will often work closely with each other.
A podiatrist career will usually see them work in private practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics or specialty care centers.
Orthopedic surgeons will work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, orthopedic clinics and even sports teams.
How to Become a Podiatrist or Orthopedist
Becoming a podiatrist or orthopedist requires years of study and training.
Podiatrists usually complete a four-year program at a podiatric medical school to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, followed by three to four years of foot and ankle residency training.
Becoming an orthopedist requires extensive training, with students completing a four-year program at medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. After this, they complete five years of orthopedic surgery residency training, and can then choose to sub-specialize in a certain area of the body via a fellowship.
Job Opportunities and Salary Trends for Podiatrist vs Orthopedist
A career as a podiatrist or an orthopedist offers opportunities to treat a number of conditions in diverse patient populations, greatly improving people’s quality of life.
In 2025, the average podiatrist salary is $250,780 in the United States – they can also significantly increase their income by operating a private practice or having a specialization. There is a growing demand for podiatrists, with employment projections indicating a 5% growth for podiatrists in the U.S. through 2030.
Due to the broader scope of their practice, the average orthopedist salary is $522,477 USD in the United States in 2025, although this varies based on experience, location and specialization. Orthopedists specializing in more complex procedures can earn up to $649,075 USD (90th percentile). Employment projections indicate a 4% growth for orthopedists by 2033, with particularly high demand in rural regions.
Which Career Path Should You Choose: Podiatrist vs Orthopedic Surgeon
Becoming either a podiatrist or an orthopedist is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice with a great outlook for opportunities and salary.
Aspiring podiatrists will find their work very rewarding if they enjoy focusing specifically on foot and ankle conditions. Becoming a podiatrist lets you help improve your patient’s mobility and quality of life, and can also offer a strong work-life balance.
Due to the range of conditions they’ll treat and the complex surgeries they will perform, future orthopedists will find their work especially rewarding if they enjoy facing different challenges and performing a variety of procedures on a regular basis.
The most rewarding career path is the one that aligns with your interests, values and goals, but both podiatrists and orthopedists have an opportunity to make a difference in their patients’ lives.
The St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine Pathway (SMUSOM)
For those who plan to start their journey by pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree, St. Matthew’s University can help you achieve your goals!
Thanks to our strong curriculum, dedicated faculty and early hands-on training opportunities, SMUSOM students are well-equipped to succeed in USMLE examinations, excel during their U.S. (core and electives) and Canadian (select electives) clinical rotations, and secure residency placements post-graduation. Importantly, our alumni then go on to hold licenses and practice medicine in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
Aspiring orthopedists should check out this testimonial video from a successful SMUSOM graduate, who is pursuing her own career as a practicing surgeon:
Then get started today by submitting an application, or contact us to ask any questions you have.
FAQs About Podiatrists and Orthopedists
Podiatrists treat a range of common foot problems. For example, plantar fasciitis, where the tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes strained or over-stretched.
Podiatrists can perform minor to moderate surgery if they have the required postgraduate training in surgery.
If you have pain in your toe, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist to determine the extent of the injury. A foot doctor (podiatrist) will be able to treat a broken toe most of the time. If the issue is more serious, or is related to other parts of the body, they may refer you to an orthopedist.
If your foot is in pain, it’s worth seeing a podiatrist as they specialize in foot and ankle conditions. If the issue is more serious, they may refer you to an orthopedist.
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