We are surrounded by millions of people who suffer from diabetes every day. One of the most severely affected parts of the body by this disease is the feet. When treating diabetic foot problems, many people are confused about which diabetic specialist to consult. Diabetic foot problems are a very delicate matter; people are always confused about choosing the right diabetic foot care doctor.

Currently, two primary specialists to consider are podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons. Although both specialists provide treatment for diabetic foot problems, as a diabetic patient, it's crucial to understand which specialist is best for your diabetic foot pain and overall foot health. In today's blog, we will explore how to choose the right specialist for diabetic foot care and understand the role of a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon.

Understanding diabetic foot problems 

Diabetes can significantly affect our feet in many ways. Therefore, it is very crucial to understand the problems it can cause, such as diabetic neuropathy, foot ulcers, and circulation issues. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves in the feet are damaged due to high blood sugar. These problems can later lead to serious diabetic foot complications, unbearable pain, and other complex conditions. Regular diabetic foot checkups and proper diabetic foot treatment can help reduce these risks.

Podiatrist vs. orthopedic surgeon 

Diabetic foot ulcers can cause even small wounds to take longer to heal and can lead to ulcers. The main reason for this is poor circulation or reduced blood flow. Taking proper precautions and choosing the right footwear can help prevent such complex conditions to some extent.

However, it is essential to seek the help of an expert before diabetic foot problems become serious. This is a situation where many people get confused about which specialist to consult. Two categories of specialists, podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons, treat diabetic feet.

There are differences between the treatment methods and roles of these two specialists. Let's examine which of these two categories is best suitable for diabetic foot care.

Role of podiatrist 

A podiatrist is the primary specialist to be considered for diabetic foot care. They specialize in foot and ankle health issues, including plantar fasciitis, foot ulcers, and circulation issues. With regular diabetic checkups, a podiatrist can recommend the best footwear for you. Proper footwear helps prevent foot ulcers and provides additional protection for your feet. Therefore, podiatrists play a crucial role in ensuring the proper care of your feet.

Role of orthopaedic surgeon 

Orthopedic surgeons specialize primarily in the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. An orthopedic surgeon is best suited to treat complex conditions such as prevention of deformities and serious infections. These specialists are best suited to treat very complex surgical problems of the feet. They specialize in treating foot deformities, structural foot problems, foot injuries, and foot alignment issues. An orthopedic surgeon is best suited to treat complex foot surgeries.

Who to Consult for Diabetic Foot Issue

It is best to consult a podiatrist for diabetic foot problems. They can diagnose potential foot problems, such as ulcers, through thorough examinations and prescribe appropriate footwear for your diabetic feet. This can help prevent serious foot problems that may arise in the future to some extent. Such specialists can provide the best care for your diabetic feet and prevent serious problems that may arise in the future. Therefore, choose the right specialist and ensure that you receive the best treatment for your foot care.