The human foot is a complex structure. It contains 26 bones—plus muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels—and is designed for balance and mobility. The 52 bones in your feet make up about one-fourth of all the bones in your body.

Podiatrists are responsible for the comprehensive care of the human foot. Their field of specialization, Podiatry, is the diagnosis and management of problems, injuries or pathology relating to the foot. Podiatrists treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel spurs, and arch problems; ankle and foot injuries, deformities and infections; and foot complaints associated with diseases such as diabetes. To treat these problems, podiatrists prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. They also fit corrective inserts called orthotics, design plaster casts and strappings to correct deformities, and design custom-made shoes.

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Whom do you see when you have a foot problem: a podiatrist or an orthopedist?

There is a strong debate between the two professions about who is best qualified to treat what.

For calluses, corns and nail problems, podiatrists are the specialists. Both professions treat sports injuries of the foot, plus other problems. But if surgery is required, the choice can be more difficult. Training differs in philosophy, length and substance.

Orthopedists attend four years of medical school. They become medical doctors, or M.D.s, surgeons trained to operate on the entire skeletal system. All orthopedists serve a one-year surgical internship. That is followed by at least four years of hospital residency. During each year, about 25% of training is foot and leg surgery. Some orthopedic surgeons also take an additional year devoted to specializing in the foot and ankle.

A podiatrist attends a four-year podiatric college, studying medicine and minor surgical procedures. The focus is on the foot and ankle. The graduate becomes a doctor of podiatric medicine, or D.P.M. Podiatrists are not medical doctors.

Choosing a podiatrist or orthopedist is much like choosing any other medical specialist. Membership in a Medical Association will assure you that this is a professional who keeps abreast of the latest in foot care procedures. You can ask your family doctor for a recommendation or inquire about a foot specialist who has helped friends or family members. Finally, schedule an appointment and have a talk with the potential podiatrist or orthopedist. Only then will you be able to determine whether this is someone you can put your trust in.