Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConditions TreatedReferral to a PodiatristWhat to ExpectSurgeryEducation
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Conditions Treated
Referral to a Podiatrist
What to Expect
Surgery
Education
Podiatryis a branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists are the experts in keeping feet and ankles healthy.
A referral to a podiatrist might be necessary if you are experiencing persistent foot or ankle problems. Podiatrists can manage common issues such as plantar fasciitis and bunions, as well as more severe conditions such as fractures and tendon problems.
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Field of Podiatry: Conditions and Injuries Treated
Other common issues includebunions,hammertoes, andflat feet, which can result in discomfort and difficulty walking.
Podiatrists can treat acute problems such as bone fractures, ligament tears, and tendon injuries in the feet and ankles. They also manage chronic conditions that affect foot health, such asfoot problems seen in diabetes.
Podiatric Care for People With Diabetes
With diabetes, complications such as wounds, ulcers, infections, and nerve damage can occur to the lower extremities. These can lead to severe or even life-threatening complications if they are not recognized and treated adequately.
When to Ask for a Podiatrist Referral
If you have persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort in your feet or ankles that doesn’t improve with rest, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, or other interventions, it may be time for referral to a podiatrist.
Problems like heel pain, arch problems, or ingrown toenails can worsen if not addressed, so seeking a podiatrist early can help prevent more serious complications.
Foot injuries from sports or accidents can also benefit from evaluation and treatment from a podiatrist. Podiatric care can help prevent foot and ankle problems for athletes.
For those with chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, referral to a podiatrist can be an important part of their overall health plan. If symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or sores that won’t heal become a problem, it’s important to see a podiatrist promptly.
People of any age may benefit from seeing a podiatrist. Infants and children with structural changes in their feet or who have gait imbalances (imbalances in the way in which a person walks) can benefit from the care of a podiatrist. Older adults may need a referral if they experience balance or foot structure changes that affect mobility.
A primary care provider can recommend when to see a podiatrist, but recognizing the signs and advocating for yourself may lead to a quicker referral.
Services and Exams Performed in Appointments
A visit to a podiatrist may begin with a review of your medical history, with a focus on any previous foot or ankle injuries, symptoms, or surgeries. This will also help determine if there are any other health conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease.
The podiatrist will then conduct a physical exam, assessing for any changes to the structure of the foot or ankle, toenail health, and areas of pain. This exam might involve feeling for tenderness, testing the range of motion in your joints, and examining your gait as you walk.
In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be needed. X-rays are frequently used to assess for fractures, bone deformities, or joint issues. Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be recommended to evaluate ligaments and tendons.
Based on the findings, the podiatrist will determine a treatment plan, which could include custom orthotics, physical therapy, or medications. For more severe cases, surgical options may be discussed.
Surgical Intervention and Planning
Surgical intervention may be needed when nonsurgical treatments are not enough to improve the condition.
Before surgery, the podiatrist will fully evaluate the area to determine what procedure is needed. This usually involves imaging to get a complete picture of the area.
The podiatrist will also review the person’s overall health and potential risk factors that could affect surgery or recovery. Once a surgical plan is developed, the podiatrist will explain the procedure, including what to expect during recovery and any care needed postoperatively.
Podiatrists and OrthopedistsOrthopedistsand podiatrists both specialize in the musculoskeletal system but can have different areas of focus, as follows:Orthopedists are medical doctors who treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons throughout the whole body. They treat many issues, from fractures and arthritis to joint replacements.Podiatrists specifically focus on diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions.There can be overlap in the conditions each specialist evaluates and treats.
Podiatrists and Orthopedists
Orthopedistsand podiatrists both specialize in the musculoskeletal system but can have different areas of focus, as follows:Orthopedists are medical doctors who treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons throughout the whole body. They treat many issues, from fractures and arthritis to joint replacements.Podiatrists specifically focus on diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions.There can be overlap in the conditions each specialist evaluates and treats.
Orthopedistsand podiatrists both specialize in the musculoskeletal system but can have different areas of focus, as follows:
There can be overlap in the conditions each specialist evaluates and treats.
Podiatrist DPM Training: Number of Years
The education and training to become a podiatrist (DPM) take 11 to 13 years, including undergraduate studies to obtain a bachelor’s degree, four years of podiatric medical school, three to four years of podiatric medicine and surgical residency, and an optional one-year fellowship.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, they must complete a four-year program at a podiatric medical school. This is similar to traditional medical school but is focused on the lower extremities. During these four years, students get hands-on experience through clinical rotations.
Once they graduate from podiatric medical school, podiatrists must complete a podiatric medicine and surgery residency program, which is a minimum of three years. During residency, podiatrists receive additional training in areas such as surgery, sports medicine, wound care, and diabetic foot care. Some residency programs include additional training and credentialing in reconstructive rear-foot/ankle surgery.
Is a Podiatrist an MD?A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), not a medical doctor (MD). They are licensed to practice podiatric medicine and are board-certified. The federal government recognizes them as physicians.
Is a Podiatrist an MD?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), not a medical doctor (MD). They are licensed to practice podiatric medicine and are board-certified. The federal government recognizes them as physicians.
Summary
Podiatry plays an important role in maintaining the health of feet and ankles. They provide preventive care, treat acute conditions, manage chronic conditions, and perform surgery. Podiatrists provide specialized care tailored to each person.
With chronic conditions such as diabetes, where foot health is closely tied to overall health, seeking podiatric care for persistent foot or ankle problems can help prevent complications. With extensive training and a focus on preventive care, podiatrists are key in keeping feet healthy throughout life.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Diabetes Association;11. Microvascular Complications and Foot Care:Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021.Diabetes Care,2021; 44 (Supplement_1): S151–S167. doi:10.2337/dc21-S011
Roberts PJJ, Ousey K, Barker C, Reel S.The role of podiatry in the early identification and prevention of lower limb venous disease: an ethnographic study.J Foot Ankle Res. 2022;15(1):84. doi:10.1186/s13047-022-00588-7
Tower DE. (2020).Evidence-Based Podiatry. Springer.
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine.Doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM).
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