People go to an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore when they suffer from a bone fracture or dislocation. People go to a podiatrist when they suffer from foot injuries, such as an ankle ligament tear. But what if they suffer from a foot fracture? Who would they go to? A podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon?
It is a dilemma for many, but did you know that it is quite easy to determine which health expert you should go to? This article will shed light on the differences and similarities between a podiatrist and an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore. Continue reading this article to find out.
Differences And Similarities Between A Podiatrist And Orthopaedic Surgeon In Singapore
It is automatic for people to seek an orthopaedist when they suffer from dislocation or need a total knee replacement in Singapore. On the other hand, people also seek podiatrists for bone issues in the feet, such as bunions. Are these two experts the same? Or do they have differences, too?
EXPERTISE AND SPECIALITIES
Orthopaedic Surgeon
An orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that concern the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints, all throughout the body. It may include the arms, torso, hips, lower limbs, ankles, and feet.
Since the musculoskeletal system is vast, many orthopaedic surgeons take specialities. Some focus on general orthopaedics, while others specialise in the foot and ankle. There are orthopaedic surgeons in sports medicine and paediatrics.
Podiatrist
On the other hand, a podiatrist focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions concerning the feet and ankles. What sets a podiatrist apart from anorthopaedic surgeon in Singapore is they can treat more than bone or joint problems in the feet.
For example, a podiatrist and an orthopaedic surgeon can treat an ankle ligament tear. However, only a podiatrist can treat ingrown toenails, nail fungus, and foot ulcers. These are conditions that do not concern the bones or muscles.
The type of treatment also makes a difference between the two. Podiatrists often lead toward conservative or non-surgical treatments, while orthopaedists usually recommend surgery if necessary.
Other than that, the scope of a podiatrist and an orthopaedic surgeon in Singaporealways overlap. Both the medical experts can deal with bones, joints, and ligaments issues, but the rule of thumb is podiatrists are also concerned with the skin, blood vessels and nerves.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Before a person becomes a fully-fledged orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore, they have to have more or less 15 years of education and experience.
Firstly, they must complete a four-year undergraduate degree.
Secondly, they have to finish four years of education in an accredited medical school.
Thirdly, they should have at least four years of residency training for general orthopaedic surgery.
Lastly, they may take one or more years of fellowship for foot and ankle conditions or other specialities. Remember, the standards for each country are different, so the required years of education and training vary.
Podiatrist
On the other hand, before a person becomes a fully-fledged podiatrist, they have to have more or less 12 years of education and experience.
Firstly, they must complete a four-year undergraduate degree.
Secondly, they have to finish four years of education in an accredited medical, preferably podiatric school.
Lastly, they should have at least four years of residency training for foot and ankle disorders. Remember, the standards for each country are different, so the required years of education and training vary.
TREATMENT
Orthopaedic Surgeon
An orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore provides a variety of treatments.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- Achondroplasia
- Aneurysmal bone cyst
- Arthritis
- Bone tumour
- Bone cancer
- Bone spur
- Bone fracture and dislocation
UPPER BODY
- Hand, arm, and shoulder injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Biceps tendon tear
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Baseball or golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- De Quervain’s tendinosis
LOWER BODY
- Achilles tendon tear
- Bunions
- Ankle replacement and cartilage restoration
- Plantar fasciitis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Heel spurs
- Hammer toe, mallet toe, and other claw toe deformities
- Hindfoot fractures
- Toe fractures
- Stress fractures
- Forefoot fracture
Not all orthopaedic surgeons can treat these conditions; it all depends on the speciality of the orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore and the capability of the health care provider.
Podiatrist
A podiatrist provides a variety of treatments for foot and ankle disorders.
LOWER BODY
- Bunions
- Toe and hindfoot fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Flat feet
- Diabetic ulcers and wounds
- Gout
- Hallux rigidus
- Heel spurs
- Corns
- Athlete’s foot
- Arthritis
- Sprains
- Infections
- Morton’s neuroma
Not all podiatrists can treat these conditions; it all depends on the capability of the health care provider.
As you can see some conditions can be treated by both a podiatrist and an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore. There are also conditions that only a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon can treat alone.
Do you need a podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon?
So going back to the question, if you suffer from an ankle ligament tear, who would you consult? A podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon? The rule of thumb is any foot disorder that concerns the bones, ligaments, and joints in the feet and ankle. You can visit a podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore.
If you have foot conditions that involve skin, nerves, and blood vessels, you should visit a podiatrist. On the other hand, if you suffer conditions concerning the bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments that are not located in the foot and ankle, you should visit anorthopaedic surgeon in Singapore.
Whenever you feel any discomfort on your feet or ankle, such as pain or sores, it is better to consult either a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon. Upon consultation and exams, they can diagnose the condition. They can provide treatment or refer you to a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore if the disorder is beyond their scope.
Specialist Orthopaedic Centre
Are you suffering from an ankle ligament tear? Do you need atotal knee replacement in Singapore? Specialist Orthopaedic Centre provides orthopaedic treatments for shoulders, arms, elbows, hips, knees, feet, and ankles. Visit the Specialist Orthopaedic Centre today.