It's a great question. They're basically the same thing, right?

Not quite.

A podiatrist, or doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialized healthcare professional who focuses on the diagnosis of lower extremity, foot, and ankle conditions. According to the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, podiatrists undergo four years in podiatric medical school and several years of residency training before receiving certification from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

A podiatrist can help with the following conditions:

• Foot and ankle sprains
  
• Bunions (bony bumps on the base of the big toe)
  
• Hammertoe (abnormal bending of the central toe joint)
  
• Warts
  
• Ingrown toenails, enlarged toenails, and fungal infections of the toenail
  
• Calluses
  
• Athlete’s foot
  
• Heel spurs (calcium buildup on the bottom of the heel bone)
  
• Plantar fasciitis (pain in the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot)
  
• Morton’s neuroma (thickened tissue around nerves leading to the toes; causes pain in the ball of the foot)
  
• Diabetic foot conditions such as nerve damage (neuropathy)
  
• Arthritis
  
• Damage to ligaments in the foot (such as a Lisfranc injury)
  

Orthopedists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. According to the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS), an orthopedic surgeon must graduate from a four-year medical school and complete a five-year orthopedic residency program before becoming board certified by the ABOS.

Orthopedic surgeons can help with the following conditions:

• Bone fractures
  
• Sports medicine (Surgery for injury, rehabilitation, prevention)
  
• Joint reconstruction
  
• Pediatric orthopedics (study and treatment of growing bones, joints and muscles)
  
• Achilles tendon repair
  
• Hand surgery
  
• Shoulder and elbow treatment
  
• Bunions and hammertoe
  
• Bone spurs
  
• Muscular dystrophy
  
• Cerebral palsy
  

Podiatrists specialize in the mechanics and dermatology of the lower extremities, while orthopedic surgeons can provide medical care for the entire musculoskeletal system.

Whether your condition is better suited for a podiatrist or orthopedist, you can find the care you need on Sesame for affordable, upfront prices. Book an online consultation today with a doctor licensed to treat podiatric conditions in Port Huron, MI to develop a treatment plan that's right for you. No hidden fees, no copays, just the care you need.

From sports medicine to orthotics, podiatric physicians are trained to provide a wide range of care for foot and ankle conditions. Some types of care podiatrists can provide are:

• X-ray imaging to diagnose abnormalities or injury
  
• Physical therapy and pain relief for fractures, sprains, and sports injuries of the foot and ankle
  
• Surgery for broken bones in the foot or ankle
  
• Scalpel surgeries of ingrown toenails
  
• Wart and verruca removal
  
• Bunion and corn removal
  
• Physical therapy and surgery for arthritis pain
  
• Orthotics prescription (specialty arch support and insoles to relieve arch and heel pain)
  
• Topical treatment recommendations for warts, cracked skin, and fungal infections
  

Podiatrists on Sesame offer treatment and consultations. Get in touch directly with real, quality doctors on Sesame so you can ask the questions you want and get the care you need - all for upfront, affordable prices. No insurance needed.

Podiatrists, or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), are medical doctors who specialize in treating and diagnosing conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. You might see a podiatrist for an ankle x-ray, diabetic foot care, or help with an ingrown toenail. Podiatrists who receive advanced training in surgery can perform foot and ankle surgery to treat injury or infection. Some podiatrists receive further training in sports medicine, allowing them to treat lower leg injuries sustained on the field.

Podiatrists can also help with aches and pain related to aging. For example, older patients might see a podiatrist to get custom orthotics (shoe inserts).

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort anywhere below the knee, a podiatrist can help. A board-certified podiatrist will be able to diagnose and treat conditions in the lower leg that you're experiencing. If necessary, they may even refer you to an orthopedic clinic for further treatment.

Sesame offers convenient new-patient podiatry consultations in Port Huron, MI at affordable cash-pay prices. Book directly with the doctor you want to see and save up to 60% on your foot health appointment when you book through Sesame - no insurance needed.

Podiatric physicians can treat a number of conditions related to the foot and ankle. Some examples of these conditions include:

• Foot and ankle sprains
  
• Bunions (bony bumps on the base of the big toe)
  
• Hammertoe (abnormal bending of the central toe joint)
  
• Warts
  
• Ingrown toenails, enlarged toenails, and fungal infections of the toenail
  
• Calluses
  
• Athlete’s foot
  
• Heel spurs (calcium buildup on the bottom of the heel bone)
  
• Plantar fasciitis (pain in the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot)
  
• Morton’s neuroma (thickened tissue around nerves leading to the toes; causes pain in the ball of the foot)
  
• Diabetic foot conditions such as nerve damage (neuropathy)
  
• Arthritis
  
• Damage to ligaments in the foot (such as a Lisfranc injury)
  

If you're experiencing any of these conditions, connect with a doctor on Sesame to book a visit at affordable cash prices.

Great news! You can book an appointment right here on Sesame!

Sesame offers simple online booking with real, quality podiatrists at affordable prices. Simply search on our homepage for the type of health care you need, compare prices, and book directly on the site. You can usually book a visit as early as the next day, all at prices up to 60% less than what you'll find through insurance networks.

Sesame makes it easier than ever to get in touch with board-certified podiatrists Port Huron, MI. Plus, our no-worries booking policy means you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and still get a refund - no questions asked. Browse availability and book an appointment online with Sesame - it's that simple!

An orthopedic doctor can treat a variety of conditions related to the muscular and skeletal systems.

These include:

• Muscle sprains, tears, and tendonitis
  
• Broken bones
  
• Joint pain and back pain
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
  
• Arthritis
  
• Bone cancer
  
• Clubfoot and bowlegs
  

An orthopedic doctor can diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatments for these ailments. Orthopedic doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, stretches, exercises, immobilization, and pain management.

Sub-specialties of orthopedics include:

• Pediatric orthopedics
  
• Sports medicine
  
• Hand surgery
  
• Orthopedic trauma
  
• Physical therapy
  
• Occupational therapy
  

Like an orthopedic doctor, orthopedic surgeons are well versed in conditions of the musculoskeletal system, such as bone fractures, joint problems, and sports injuries. Another similarity between the two is that they each undergo around 14 years of training including a bachelor's degree, medical school, a residency, and pass a certifying exam.

However, unlike orthopedic doctors, orthopedic surgeons are qualified to conduct orthopedic surgery.

Orthopedic surgeons can often treat musculoskeletal problems with treatment such as:

• Bone grafts
  
• Soft tissue repair
  
• Arthroscopic surgery
  
• Osteotomy
  
• Internal fixation
  
• Partial and total joint replacement
  

Save 60% on your next orthopedic consultation when you book with Sesame.

Yep!

On Sesame, orthopedists and podiatrists offer telehealth appointments for patients looking for efficient, flexible care. With telehealth, you can speak with a doctor about your symptoms and work to develop a treatment plan that's right for you - without the hassle of having to drive to different doctors' offices. If you've already seen a doctor and need a second opinion or more clarity on your condition, you can schedule a quick and easy telehealth appointment to get your questions answered on your own time.

On Sesame, you can connect with a licensed orthopedic specialist for an affordable cash price - without any hidden fees, copays, or insurance.

Yep! Telehealth platforms like Sesame make it easier than ever to see an orthopedist in Port Huron, MI - without a referral. Appointments are available today!

Sesame works directly with orthopedists - not insurance companies - to get you the care you need for affordable, upfront prices. Connect on Sesame today with an orthopedist in Port Huron, MI who can assess your condition, treat your symptoms, and craft a treatment plan that's right for you.

A sports medicine specialist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries.

Sports medicine specialists don't just provide quality care for professional athletes, they can also help with injury treatment and pain management for patients with active lifestyles. A sports medicine specialist (or sports medicine physician) is board-certified in orthopedic care, family medicine (primary care), or internal medicine, with additional training in pain management and injury prevention. To earn qualification to practice sports medicine healthcare, these doctors must go through a Sports Medicine program and pass the Sports Medicine national exam.

Sports medicine specialists may be hired as team physicians for professional, college, or high school athletic departments. Many specialists may also have an outpatient practice at a medical center or hospital.

Sports medicine specialists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. While a sports medicine specialist cannot operate on injuries like an orthopedic surgeon, they can assist with pain management and injury prevention related to physical activities. Some common conditions that sports medicine services can treat include:

• Sprains/ ligament damage
  
• Joint pain
  
• Rotator cuff pain
  
• ACL tightness/ pain
  
• Soft tissue injuries
  

A sports medicine specialist can perform X-rays and prescribe medication, along with other treatment options, to help recover from injury and prevent further pain.

Physical therapy is meant to ease pain, prevent injury, and improve quality of life. Physical therapists individualize treatments based on the needs of the patient.

A patient may want or require physical therapy to help:

• Ease or cure pain (such as back pain and neck pain)
  
• Improve balance
  
• Improve mobility
  
• Strengthen joints and/ or musculature
  
• Rehabilitation from musculoskeletal injury (such as sprains, soreness, ligament pain, and range of motion injuries)
  
• Physical rehabilitation after a stroke
  
• Manage incontinence
  
• Manage a chronic illness like arthritis, osteoporosis, or heart disease
  
• Manage pain and physical difficulty related to aging
  
• Manage women’s health issues related to the reproductive system, child-birth, post-partum, and pelvic floor dysfunction
  

Sesame offers high-quality, and affordable physical therapy services in Port Huron, MI. Connect with a physical therapist on Sesame for convenient, straightforward help crafting a treatment plan that works for you.

Physical therapy can be whatever you make it.

Most people start physical therapy services to help relieve pain or increase range of motion caused by:

• Sports-related injuries (such as torn a torn rotator cuff or sprains)
  
• Car accidents
  
• Neurological conditions (such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS)
  
• Shoulder pain
  
• Knee pain
  
• Neck pain/ back pain
  
• Osteoarthritis
  

Of course, injuries aren't the only reason patients begin physical therapy.

Physical therapy is common for aging patients, as it can help with such things as:

• Fall prevention
  
• Injury prevention
  
• Range of motion
  
• Mobility
  
• Pain management for aging joints
  

Chronic pain can be, well, a pain. Physical therapy can play a key role in health and wellness, by relieving pain and correcting imbalances in the body. Don't wait to start feeling better. Save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy session on Sesame.

You should see a physical therapist if you are experiencing pain related to your daily tasks. Whether you're feeling the effects of carpal tunnel or back tightness, a physical or occupational therapist can help create a treatment plan that reduces your discomfort and restores your mobility. Occupational therapists can provide exercises and stretches that specially address movements you do every day.

Back pain and joint pain is one of the leading causes of disability for Americans. Chronic pain can affect your quality of life and your ability to move freely. Don't wait to start fixing aches and soreness. Save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy visit through Sesame and get in touch with a real, quality physical therapist in Port Huron, MI today - no insurance needed.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who specialize in treating orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions. Personal trainers are not health care professionals; they work with clients to design and implement fitness plans tailored to their goals.

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help their patients regain mobility and confidence.

These include:

• Injury prevention exercises
  
• Manual therapy/ massage therapy
  
• Dry needling therapy (a therapy similar to acupuncture)
  
• Pediatric physical therapy
  
• Sports medicine/ treatment for sports-related injuries
  
• Vestibular/ balance therapy
  

Physical therapists and personal trainers may work together on an advanced physical therapy treatment plan that helps treat pain or injury while building strength and balance.

If you are experiencing chronic pain, or side effects of an injury, physical therapy is the way to go. Not only can licensed PTs offer manual therapy to help ease joint/ muscle tightness, but they can also help correct balance, posture, orthopedic issues, and more.

Sesame's got you covered!

Connect on Sesame with a real, quality physical therapist licensed to treat patients in Port Huron, MI. Physical therapists on Sesame can assess your symptoms, diagnose your conditions, and craft a treatment plan that works for you - all for one affordable, upfront cost. No copays or surprise billing.

Not sure if physical therapy is the right treatment plan for you? Sesame offers affordable new-patient physical therapy consultations, so you can meet with a physical therapist to discuss options, and ask any questions you may have.

Don't let aches and pains keep you down. Save up to 60% when you book physical therapy services through Sesame today and get your wellness journey started!

Physical therapy can be provided in a number of settings. Most clinicians on Sesame treat patients through outpatient clinics or private offices, but given the difficulty and health concerns some face going into a doctor’s office now, physical therapists on Sesame now offer video visits to help you diagnose and treat a range of conditions.

Who might need in-home care?

Conditions that may require a patient to receive in-home physical therapy services include:

• Loss of functional mobility from surgery or serious injury
  
• Stroke
  
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  
• Multiple Sclerosis
  
• Parkinson’s disease
  

Connect with a physical therapist on Sesame to help find a video or in-person treatment plan that works for you.

If you've never had a physical therapy appointment before, your first session will usually begin with a physical evaluation. Your therapist will ask you questions about any chronic pain you experience. They may ask about your medical history and previous mobility. You may also be asked to perform a few light exercises or stretches so the therapist can measure your ability to move and balance.

After your evaluation, your physical therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan. A physiotherapy treatment plan is similar to a fitness routine you might get from a personal trainer. It will outline the exercises and strategies that you will perform with your therapist, as well as at-home tips to help your rehab. Your physical therapist should discuss goals of treatment for you to help you get a sense of how they want to track progress.

In some cases, a physical therapy session may include things such as manual therapy to help relieve pain and loosen joints. Manual therapy is an outpatient procedure performed with the therapist's hands, instead of any device. Like a massage, your physical therapist will knead and press certain joints and muscles to loosen them and improve range of motion. You may experience some mild soreness or pain after a manual therapy session, but this is a normal side effect and usually goes away after a day or two.

Physical therapy is a process. You will work alongside your PT to help address problem areas while keeping track of progress with carefully outlined therapeutic goals. Not sure if physical therapy is right for you? Physical therapists on Sesame offer new-patient consultations so you can receive a physical evaluation and ask any questions you may have. Don't let aches and pains control your life- save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy visit on Sesame.

Physical therapy isn't just for people with injuries. An individual may seek physical therapy services as a method of preventative medicine or general wellness care.

While physical therapy may not be immediately necessary, seeking maintenance therapy can help:

• Improve posture
  
• Increase body awareness
  
• Correct muscle imbalance
  
• Ease muscle tightness or pain
  
• Improve range of motion
  
• Increase mobility
  
• Diaphragmatic breathing
  
• Preparation for an athletic activity
  

Sesame offers affordable physical therapy visits with quality physical therapists in Port Huron, MI. If you are experiencing chronic pain, or want to improve your general wellness, book a visit today and save up to 60% on top-rated care from accredited physical therapists. You pay an upfront cash-pay price without the surprise bills or overhead that drives up cost.

Pain management is a field of medicine that focuses on alleviating chronic pain and improving the quality of life of patients who suffer from it. Pain management doctors use a diverse array of methods - from physical therapy to acupuncture to pain medication- to minimize and manage all sorts of chronic paints in patients.

The types of medical professionals who manage chronic pains and medical conditions vary significantly. Primary care physicians, pharmacists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, pain specialists, and other medical professionals can all work to diagnose your condition, manage your symptoms, and craft a treatment plan that's right for you.