Podiatrist or Orthopedist?

earlnabby
earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am having problems with pain on the top of my foot and in the front of the ankle. A week off from exercise, RICE, naproxin, etc have not healed it, although the pain is less. My internet self-diagnosis is extensor tendonitis but the sites I looked at said that it could also be a stress fracture. I think I need to see a doctor and was wondering if it is best to see a podiatrist or an orthopedist. I have seen an orthopedist before because of my knee arthritis but have never seen a podiatrist.

Please relate you experiences with both types of doctors and if you have ever had this kind of problem before.

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Replies

  • LaVie13
    LaVie13 Posts: 143 Member
    You can have your primary care doctor set you for an xray to rule out the stress fracture and then he can tell you which doctor would be best to see. Not sure if you have to have a referral with your insurance. Hope it gets better.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited October 2014
    LaVie13 wrote: »
    You can have your primary care doctor set you for an xray to rule out the stress fracture and then he can tell you which doctor would be best to see. Not sure if you have to have a referral with your insurance. Hope it gets better.

    No, I don't need a referral. I already checked with the insurance company.

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  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    It is more important that you find someone who is experienced in sports medicine (and just someone who says they are). That usually means ortho, but not always.
  • midnight419
    midnight419 Posts: 77 Member
    Orthopedist that specializes in sports medicine. I wouldn't waste your time seeing a primary care doctor if you don't need a referral for specialists.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    Thanks for the suggestions. I never considered sports medicine but that makes a lot of sense!

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