Several different types of doctors treat Achilles tendon injuries, including: Family Physicians / General Practitioners, Podiatrists, Orthopedists, Chiropractors, and Internists. Within each of these types, some focus on the treatment of sports related injuries.
Family Physician / General Practitioner (MD – Doctor of Medicine)
- Provide comprehensive medical services to families and individuals of all ages, plus coordinate the care provided by other specialties. They diagnose and treat a very wide variety of injuries, including Achilles tendon injuries.
- Education: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, plus 3 years residency in family practice.
Podiatrist (DPM – Doctor of Podiatric Medicine)
- Provide comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for diseases, injuries, disorders, and defects of the foot and ankle, including the Achilles tendon.
- Education: 4 years of college, 4 years of podiatric medicine, plus 2 to 4 year fellowship and residency in podiatric surgery.
Orthopedist (MD – Doctor of Medicine)
- Diagnose, treat, and manage the rehabilitation of injury, disorder and disease of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of: muscles, nerves, tendons (including the Achilles tendons), ligaments, cartilage, joints, spinal discs, and bones.
- Education: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, plus 5 years residency in orthopedic surgery.
Chiropractor (DC – Doctor of Chiropractic)
- Diagnose and treat injuries and disorders by manipulating (adjusting) the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of: muscles, nerves, tendons (including the Achilles tendons), ligaments, cartilage, joints, spinal discs, and bones.
- Education: 2-4 years of college, 4 years of chiropractic school.
Internist (MD – Doctor of Medicine)
- Provide comprehensive medical services for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. They diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases and injuries, which may include (depending on their focus) Achilles tendon injuries.
- Education: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, plus 2-3 years residency in internal medicine
