I've got some foot pain in my left foot. I first noticed it about a month ago, and thought it was sore from exercise. I stopped exercising for two weeks and changed shoes, and it hasn't improved. People have recently told me that they can see me limping, and it's affecting the way I walk. Hopefully it's not a Yao Ming-like stress fracture Now, I'm ready to go to a doctor. The question I have is, what type? My health care plan allows me to see a specialist directly, no referral required. What's the difference between an orthopedic specialist and a podiatrist? Or is there some other type I should see? Can anyone recommend one in Austin?
I would go to a podiatrist first.. there's a possibility that a structural issue that has gotten worse over time is causing it. This definitely happens and can suddenly start to affect you after you've never experienced any pain before. The podiatrist knows the foot.. edit: I say this from first-hand experience of sudden foot pain being the result of something that was not injury-related. I just think a podiatrist has the widest knowledge base for your problem
An orthopaedic specialist is a medical doctor. A podiatrist never went to medical school. He/she went to podiatry school only. In theory an orthopaedic specialist is more qualified, but since you are mainly focusing on the foot, I would go with someone who diagnosis foot ailments all day instead of a general orthopaedic specialist. Unless of course the ortho. specialist is primarily a foot specialist.
Go to a podiatrist tell him or her the problem. Get X-rays. Probably will show no damage. Then go see an Acupuncturist (do some research and find a good one) and see if that helps. Some people say it has minimal effects and others swear by it. Count me in for the latter.
If you go to a podiatrist and they recommend an orthopaedist, I've got a guy in austin - he did both my hip replacements, and I'm happy with him. Shoot me an email through the board.
Before heading to a doctor, you might want to stop by Karavel shoes on Burnet road in Austin (512-459-7603). They specialize in orthopedic footwear (it's the only shoe store I've ever seen with a "Wellness Center"), and might be able to tell you if you need to see a doctor. And it won't cost nuthin' but time. My wife was almost certain that she would need to have surgery to address her chronic plantar fasciitis, but one trip to Karavel solved the problem. She got a pair of Finn Comfort shoes that eliminated her pain altogether.
Awesome guys! Thanks for the information! Unfortunately I've been too busy at work recently, and I'm on my feet all the time so the pain hasn't subsided much.
