A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery who specializes in caring for the feet and ankles. These physicians examine, diagnose, and treat problems that affect the feet, ankles, and lower legs; they can perform surgery when a condition requires it. Some patients visit a podiatrist for a short-term issue, while others have a podiatrist on their care team because they manage a chronic condition that affects foot health long-term.
Conditions a Podiatrist Treats
A podiatrist treats a wide range of foot and toe conditions. Some problems are minor, but others require ongoing care. When a patient presents with symptoms, the podiatrist examines the affected area and orders tests when needed, so the treatment plan reflects an accurate diagnosis. Common conditions a podiatrist treats include:
- Ingrown toenails, bunions and toe deformities
- Plantar warts and skin conditions affecting the feet and toenails
- Foot and ankle arthritis, tendonitis and diabetic foot problems
- Ulcers, leg wounds and swelling of the lower extremity
Injuries a Podiatrist Manages
Foot and ankle injuries make up a large part of podiatric care. A sprain heals differently than a rupture, so an accurate diagnosis guides the treatment; the physician adjusts the plan as recovery progresses. A podiatrist treats sports injuries; they also manage sprains and inflammation that limit movement.
Injuries and fractures a podiatrist treats include ankle sprains, high ankle sprains, heel bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendon ruptures. Bone fractures fall within this scope. A podiatrist treats fifth metatarsal fractures, toe fractures and dislocations, Lisfranc fractures, Jones fractures and talus fractures; each injury follows its own healing process. The physician monitors the bone throughout recovery and adjusts the treatment plan as the patient progresses.
Diabetes-Related Foot Care
A podiatrist plays a defined role for people who have diabetes. Diabetes raises the risk of foot sores and infections; symptoms in the feet are usually the first sign of diabetes-related neuropathy. A podiatrist who identifies foot complications early can be an important part of the broader care team, and this role supports ongoing management of diabetes-related foot problems.
Services a Podiatrist Provides
Clinics provide a range of clinical services beyond diagnosis. These physicians order lab tests or imaging, prescribe medicine, and perform surgery on the foot and ankle, tailoring each service to the condition identified during the exam. They prescribe medical devices such as orthotics, braces and casts, and they suggest mobility aids like canes and walkers when a patient needs added support.
During an exam, they ask about your symptoms and blood glucose management, examine the toes, feet, and legs, and use different tools to check for numbness or lost feeling. If the physician finds an ulcer or blister, they examine it for infection, order imaging such as X-rays, and take a sample of the skin or discharge for testing. These steps help confirm the diagnosis and guide the treatment that follows.
The practice offers advanced imaging on site, including 3D imaging, ultrasound imaging, CT imaging, vascular evaluations and X-rays. These tools help the physician confirm a diagnosis, and the practice takes a conservative treatment approach before recommending surgery. A podiatrist treats patients of any age, including children, so pediatric foot care fits within the same clinical scope.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Visit a podiatrist if you notice pain, discoloration, swelling, warmth or new growths on your feet or ankles. Self-diagnosis and over-the-counter treatment may make a minor issue more serious, so evaluation by a podiatrist provides a way to identify the cause. A podiatrist examines the affected area, orders any necessary tests, and builds a treatment plan around an accurate diagnosis, whether the issue is short term or part of managing a chronic condition.
