What Is the Difference Between a Podiatrist and a Foot Surgeon?

Written by Dr. Reza Naraghi & Dr. Sanaz Dehghan
Advanced Foot Surgery Centre, Perth

One of the most common questions we hear from patients is also one of the most understandable ones.

“Do I need a podiatrist, or do I need a foot surgeon?”

People often ask this after months of foot pain, conflicting advice, or unsuccessful treatments. Others ask because they have been told surgery might be an option and are unsure what that actually means.

The confusion is not your fault. The terms are used loosely online, and many websites blur the line between podiatry and surgery. In reality, there is a difference, and understanding it can help you make better decisions about your care.

As clinicians who focus on foot surgery in Perth, we believe patients deserve clear, honest explanations without medical jargon or pressure.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional trained to assess, diagnose, and treat problems affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. For most people, a podiatrist is the first point of contact when foot pain develops.

Podiatrists manage a wide range of conditions, including:

• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis

• Ingrown toenails

• Corns and calluses

• Tendon and ligament pain

• Flat feet and walking-related issues

• Sports injuries

• Diabetic foot concerns

• Skin and nail conditions

The focus of podiatry is conservative care. This means treating problems without surgery whenever possible. Many foot conditions respond well to the right footwear, orthotics, exercises, and activity adjustments.

For the majority of patients, podiatric care alone is enough to resolve symptoms and restore function.

So Where Does a Foot Surgeon Fit In?

A foot surgeon is a podiatrist who has completed extensive additional training in surgical management of foot and ankle conditions.

All foot surgeons start as podiatrists. Surgery is not a separate profession. It is an advanced scope of practice that requires years of further education, hospital training, and supervised surgical experience.

Foot surgeons are involved when:

• Pain has not improved despite appropriate conservative treatment

• Structural deformities are present

• Foot mechanics can no longer be managed without intervention

• Daily life is significantly affected by foot pain

In other words, foot surgeons step in when non-surgical options are no longer enough.

The Real Difference Is Training and Scope

The most important difference between a podiatrist and a foot surgeon is the level of surgical training.

While podiatrists are highly skilled in assessment and conservative management, foot surgeons are trained to:

• Decide when surgery is appropriate and when it is not

• Perform foot surgery safely and effectively

• Manage surgical risks and complications

• Guide patients through recovery and rehabilitation

Not every podiatrist performs surgery, and not every foot problem should be treated surgically. The key is matching the problem to the right level of care.

Common Conditions That May Require a Foot Surgeon

Most foot pain does not require surgery, but there are situations where surgery offers the best long-term outcome.

Some examples include:

• Bunions that continue to worsen despite footwear changes

• Chronic ingrown toenails that keep returning

• Arthritis causing joint pain and stiffness

• Structural deformities affecting walking

• Tendon tears or long-standing tendon damage

• Forefoot pain that does not respond to conservative care

Patients often come to us after trying multiple treatments elsewhere. In these cases, surgery is not a last resort out of desperation, but a considered option based on evidence and clinical findings.

Does Seeing a Foot Surgeon Mean You Will Need Surgery?

No. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings.

Many patients who consult a foot surgeon never have surgery. A surgical consultation does not mean a procedure will automatically follow.

In fact, part of a foot surgeon’s role is to confirm whether surgery is truly necessary. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes conservative care simply needs refinement or time.

The difference is that if surgery is required, you are already under the care of someone qualified to provide it.

How Foot Surgery Decisions Are Made

Foot surgery should never be rushed. A proper decision involves:

• A detailed clinical assessment

• Review of previous treatments

• Imaging when needed

• Discussion of lifestyle and expectations

• Clear explanation of risks and benefits

At Advanced Foot Surgery Centre, we spend time talking through options. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and take time to decide. Surgery is recommended only when the expected benefit outweighs the risk.

This approach is especially important for patients considering foot surgery in Perth, where access to care is good and second opinions are always reasonable.

What Modern Foot Surgery Looks Like Today

Foot surgery has changed significantly over the years. Techniques are more precise, recovery protocols are better understood, and outcomes are more predictable than many people expect.

Depending on the procedure, surgery may involve:

• Small incisions

• Day surgery

• Targeted correction of specific structures

• Structured rehabilitation plans

Recovery times vary, and not all surgeries require long periods off your feet. Clear guidance is provided before and after surgery so patients know exactly what to expect.

Recovery Is Part of the Treatment

Surgery does not end in the operating room. Recovery plays a major role in outcomes.

Post-operative care typically includes:

• Wound management

• Activity guidance

• Gradual return to walking and footwear

• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

Good recovery depends on both the procedure and patient involvement. Clear instructions and realistic expectations help avoid setbacks.

Experience and Trust in Surgical Care

Foot surgery requires skill, judgement, and experience. It also requires trust.

At Advanced Foot Surgery Centre, care is led by Dr. Reza Naraghi and Dr. Sanaz Dehghan, both of whom have extensive experience in managing complex foot conditions surgically and non-surgically.

We believe patients should understand:

• Why a treatment is being suggested

• What alternatives exist

• What recovery will realistically involve

This level of transparency builds confidence and leads to better outcomes.

Choosing Between a Podiatrist and a Foot Surgeon

If your foot pain is new or mild, a podiatrist is often the right place to start. If pain has persisted, worsened, or limited your daily life despite treatment, a foot surgeon may be the next step.

There is no failure in needing surgery. It simply means the condition requires a different approach.

For those exploring foot surgery in Perth, the most important factor is not rushing the decision, but choosing care that is appropriate, experienced, and patient-focused.

Final Thoughts

The difference between a podiatrist and a foot surgeon comes down to training, scope, and the complexity of the problem being treated.

Podiatrists manage most foot conditions successfully without surgery. Foot surgeons provide advanced care when surgery becomes the most effective option.

Understanding this difference allows patients to seek the right care with confidence.

If foot pain is affecting your mobility, comfort, or quality of life, a proper assessment is the first step toward improvement.