Stick with podiatrist or go to orthopedic MD?

[smilequeen]

I developed pain in my outer foot early this year. I let it go too long and finally went to a podiatrist in June. Had all the films and he diagnosed tendonitis. I had a cortisone shot. Take anti inflammatories and rested it for a full 2 weeks. It still hurts. I can exercise but I have to be very specific in what I do and I still need a lot of ibuprofen. I should have gone back a month ago but life. Anyway. I need to go back now.

If you have had foot pain, did you see a podiatrist or an ortho? I see some MDs that specialize in foot and ankle but a lot of orthopedic practices have podiatrists on staff as well.

[doberbrat]

When dd1 injured her foot she went to urgent care, then saw an ortho then had to go back to her pedi who then referred her to a podiatrist as 'they see feet all day long' and are considered the experts. The podiatrist told us he wished she had come to see him initially as his treatment would have been different and he felt she would have healed faster. I'd prob stick with the podiatrist.

But, it never hurts to get a 2nd opinion....

[erosenst]

I had similar and went to an ortho who specializes in feet and ankles, at one of the big ortho practices here. I do think specialization makes a difference.


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[MSWR0319]

DS had big toe pain for a long time. The podiatrist in town is not good. So we took him to a walk in ortho clinic in a bigger city. It had a crack in it (unknown if it was broke or never closed) and they sent us to a podiatrist within their big ortho practice. He had more certifications than the local podiatrist so I don’t know if that means he was more specialized? But I really liked him. If you aren’t happy though, it definitely can’t hurt to get a second opinion.

[KpbS]

I would go to Ortho with your previous x-rays.

[cuca_]

I would see an orthopedist. I believe that you are in my area. There is a great Ortho that specializes in feet injuries. His name is Jeremy McCormack and he is in the WashU Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield. I had an injury a few years ago and he was great. He was also pretty conservative. I had to use a boot for a few months, but have had no issues since.

[dogmom]

In general it depends of the specific ortho vs podiatrist for foot pain. Given that it appears a more chronic injury vs acute injury I would go back to podiatrist. It was very reasonable for them to say let’s try a shot and rest and see if that takes care of the issue. A lot of times it does. If not then there needs to be a plan on how to proceed. So I would go back and see what he suggests. Often podiatrists will try a second cortisone shot, but they usually won’t do a 3rd. You can upfront ask if you need to see a orthopedic person which wound give them a chance to explain their differential diagnosis. I find most podiatrists are open to passing patients off to another specialist if need be.

[mommy111]

I would see a foot ortho.

[smilequeen]

I would see an orthopedist. I believe that you are in my area. There is a great Ortho that specializes in feet injuries. His name is Jeremy McCormack and he is in the WashU Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield. I had an injury a few years ago and he was great. He was also pretty conservative. I had to use a boot for a few months, but have had no issues since.

I am. Thanks for the recc . I actually sort of know him. Our boys played hockey together.




I also definitely think the podiatrist did the right thing at the time so I’m not second guessing his opinion. Just figuring this might last a while, wanting to figure out my best next move.

Also totally my fault for not going back when it wasn’t better after a few weeks.

[cuca_]

I am. Thanks for the recc . I actually sort of know him. Our boys played hockey together.




I also definitely think the podiatrist did the right thing at the time so I’m not second guessing his opinion. Just figuring this might last a while, wanting to figure out my best next move.

Also totally my fault for not going back when it wasn’t better after a few weeks.

That’s funny that you know him! I hope you find a solution and feel better soon!