Foot Facts

Each month we will feature interesting and informative facts on the foot and ankle. The link at the bottom of the page allows you to view past months archives.

Comparison of Podiatric Physicians to
Other Providers

• Podiatric physicians are the major providers of foot care services, providing 39% of all foot care (orthopedic physicians provide 13% of all foot care, all other physicians provide 37% of all foot care, and physical therapists and others provide 11% of all foot care.)
• Podiatric physicians are four times less likely to use costly inpatient services that other physicians.
  
• Podiatric physicians provide treatment for 82% of corn and callus problems, 65% of toenail problems, 63% of bunion problems, 46% of flat feet or fallen arch problems, and 43% of toe joint deformities.
  
• Patients with foot problems visit podiatric physicians an average of 3.7 times a year, orthopedic physicians 3.4, osteopathic physicians 3.2, all other physicians 3.0, and physical therapists and other 7.1
• As people age, they increase their choice of podiatric physicians. Medicare data verifies that podiatric physicians are the physicians of choice for 82% of hammertoe surgery, 69% of metatarsal surgery, 72% of bunionectomy surgery, and 55% of rearfoot surgery.