Your feet do a lot of unpaid labor. They carry you through school, work, workouts, weddings, and that one questionable
pair of shoes you wore “just for the photos.” So when your feet start complaining, it helps to know who actually
specializes in telling them, politely, to calm down.
Enter the podiatrist: a medical professional who focuses on the foot, ankle, and related structures
of the lower leg. In plain English, a podiatrist is the person you see when your feet are acting like drama majors,
your toenails are staging a rebellion, or your heel pain won’t get the memo that you’re “not a morning person.”
What is a podiatrist, exactly?
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). DPMs are physicians and surgeons who diagnose,
treat, and help prevent conditions affecting the foot and ankle (and the lower-leg structures that
influence them). They treat everything from everyday issues (like heel pain) to complex medical problems (like diabetic
foot ulcers) and can provide both nonsurgical and surgical care, depending on the condition and their training.
What does a podiatrist treat?
A helpful way to think about podiatry is “anything that keeps you from walking normally, comfortably, or safely.”
Common reasons people see a podiatrist include:
- Heel pain (often plantar fasciitis)
- Ingrown toenails, nail trauma, and nail infections
- Bunions and toe deformities (like hammertoes)
- Flat feet or high arches, especially if painful or worsening
- Sports injuries (sprains, tendon issues, stress fractures)
- Arthritis affecting the foot and ankle
- Skin problems like corns, calluses, and some warts
- Diabetic foot care (nerve damage, ulcers, infection prevention)
- Circulation-related concerns in the feet
Importantly, foot symptoms can sometimes point to bigger health issues. For example, numbness or burning might be
related to nerve problems, and changes in skin, wounds that won’t heal, or sudden swelling may deserve prompt medical
evaluation.
Are podiatrists “real doctors”?
Yespodiatrists are doctors. They earn a DPM degree through a specialized medical education focused on
the lower extremity and then complete hospital-based residency training. Many podiatrists also pursue
additional training and certifications, especially if they perform advanced foot and ankle surgery.
One key detail: the scope of practice (what a podiatrist is allowed to do) can vary by state laws and
by the individual podiatrist’s credentials and hospital privileges. In other words, “podiatrist” is a real medical
specialty, but the specific services you’ll find in one clinic may differ from another.
How podiatrists are trained
If you’re the kind of person who feels calmer after hearing “there is a rigorous pathway,” this section is for you.
A typical route looks like:
- Undergraduate education (often with science prerequisites)
- Four years of podiatric medical school leading to the DPM degree
- Residency training in podiatric medicine and surgery (commonly three years), in hospitals and clinical settings
- Optional fellowships (sports medicine, reconstructive surgery, limb salvage, wound care, pediatrics, and more)
What “board certified” means in podiatry
You may see podiatrists describe themselves as “board certified.” In healthcare, board certification generally means a
clinician has met additional standardsoften including exams and ongoing assessmentbeyond basic licensure.
In foot and ankle surgery, one widely recognized board is the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS),
which offers certification pathways in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. Not every podiatrist
performs surgery, and not every surgical podiatrist has the same certificationsso if surgery is on the table, it’s
reasonable to ask about training and board certification.
Podiatrist vs. orthopedist: who should you see?
Both podiatrists and orthopedic physicians can treat foot and ankle problems, and in many communities they collaborate.
The difference is mainly in training focus:
- Podiatrist (DPM): Specializes in the foot and ankle from the start, with a medical/surgical residency centered on lower-extremity care.
- Orthopedic foot and ankle specialist (MD/DO): Trains in orthopedics broadly, then sub-specializes in the foot and ankle.
For common foot issuesheel pain, bunions, nail problems, orthotics, diabetic foot checksmany people start with a
podiatrist. For major trauma, complex fractures, or multi-system orthopedic concerns, an orthopedic specialist may also
be involved. The best next step often depends on the problem, your medical history, and which specialist is available
in your area.
What happens at a podiatrist appointment?
A first visit usually includes a mix of detective work and practical problem-solving. Expect some or all of the
following:
- History: When symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, what shoes you wear, what activities you do, and any medical conditions (like diabetes).
- Physical exam: Checking skin, nails, tenderness, swelling, range of motion, alignment, and circulation.
- Gait and biomechanics: Watching how you walk, assessing foot structure and mechanics.
- Imaging or tests: X-rays are common when the issue might involve bone, alignment, arthritis, or injury. Other tests may be recommended depending on the case.
- A treatment plan: Usually step-by-step, starting conservative and escalating only if needed.
What you can do to prepare
- Bring a list of medications and medical conditions.
- Bring the shoes you wear most (yes, even the “but they’re cute” ones).
- Be ready to describe what the pain feels like and when it shows up.
- If you have diabetes, mention any numbness, skin changes, or wounds right away.
Common podiatry treatments (from simple to “wow, science”)
Conservative care
Many foot and ankle problems improve with targeted conservative treatment. Depending on your issue, a podiatrist may
recommend:
- Shoe changes or footwear guidance (support matters more than brand loyalty)
- Custom orthotics or over-the-counter inserts
- Stretching and strengthening programs (often essential for heel pain)
- Bracing, taping, or splints to support healing
- Physical therapy referrals
- Medication guidance for pain/inflammation when appropriate
- Skin and nail care (callus debridement, nail trimming strategies, managing fissures)
Example: plantar fasciitis (classic heel pain)
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Treatment often focuses on reducing strain on the
plantar fascia and improving flexibilitythink stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, strengthening lower
leg muscles, and sometimes using night splints or orthotics. A podiatrist can help rule out other
causes of heel pain and guide a plan that matches your activity level and timeline (because “just rest” is not a plan
if you have a job, a team, or a dog who thinks sidewalks are a theme park).
Procedures and surgical care
When conservative options aren’t enough, podiatrists may offer in-office procedures or surgical treatment. Examples
include:
- Ingrown toenail procedures (often with partial nail removal to prevent repeat problems)
- Cortisone injections in specific cases (when appropriate and after evaluation)
- Bunion and deformity correction surgery for persistent pain and functional issues
- Fracture care and surgical stabilization in certain injuries
- Wound care for ulcers, including offloading strategies and advanced dressings
If surgery is recommended, a good podiatrist will explain what’s being fixed, why other treatments weren’t enough, what
recovery looks like, and what outcomes are realistic. (If the plan sounds like “we’ll just do surgery and you’ll be
fine,” ask more questions. Feet deserve receipts.)
Diabetes and feet: why podiatrists matter so much
Diabetes can affect the feet in a few major ways: it can damage nerves (so injuries go unnoticed), reduce blood flow
(so wounds heal slowly), and increase infection risk. Even small cuts or pressure spots can become serious if they’re
missed or ignored.
That’s why foot care is a big deal for people with diabetes. Regular foot checks, daily self-inspection, properly
fitting shoes, and early treatment of skin breakdown are core strategies. Podiatrists often play a major role in
prevention (catching issues early) and in treatment (wound care, offloading, managing deformities, and coordinating
care when needed).
When diabetic foot symptoms need fast attention
If you have diabetes, don’t “wait and see” for:
- A blister, cut, or sore that isn’t improving
- Redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
- New numbness, burning, or tingling
- Black or dark discoloration of skin or toenails
- Sudden foot shape changes
If any of these show up, seek medical care promptlyyour care team may include a podiatrist, primary care clinician,
diabetes specialist, wound care team, or urgent/emergency services depending on severity.
Signs you should see a podiatrist
You don’t need a “foot emergency” to benefit from podiatry. Here are common reasons to book an appointment:
- Pain in the foot or ankle that lasts more than a few days or keeps returning
- Swelling that doesn’t make sense or doesn’t improve
- Repeated ankle sprains or instability
- Nail problems (ingrown nails, thickened nails, suspected fungal infection)
- Skin changes (cracks, non-healing areas, concerning spots)
- Walking changes (limping, altered gait, pain with activity)
- Diabetes (especially with numbness, calluses, or prior ulcers)
Quick reality check: if you can’t bear weight after an injury, have severe pain, or suspect a fracture, don’t tough it
out. Get evaluated.
How to choose a podiatrist (without needing a PhD in Googling)
A good podiatrist is a blend of medical expertise and practical problem-solving. Consider:
- Credentials: DPM degree, residency training, and relevant board certification (especially for surgery).
- Experience with your issue: Sports injuries, diabetic wound care, pediatrics, or reconstructive surgery are different lanes.
- Communication: They explain your diagnosis and options in a way you can understand, without pressure.
- Conservative-first approach: Most foot issues should start with less invasive options when appropriate.
- Team-based care: For diabetes, vascular issues, or complex injuries, collaboration matters.
Smart questions to ask
- What do you think is causing my symptoms?
- What are the treatment options, and what do you recommend first?
- How long should improvement take, and what should I do if it doesn’t improve?
- If surgery is an option: how often do you perform this procedure, and what does recovery look like?
Myths about podiatrists (let’s retire these)
Myth 1: “A podiatrist just trims nails and removes calluses.”
Many podiatrists do provide nail and skin care, but that’s like saying a dentist “just cleans teeth.” Podiatrists also
diagnose injuries, manage chronic conditions, prescribe treatments, coordinate complex care, and perform surgeries.
Myth 2: “Foot pain is normal. Everyone just deals with it.”
Foot pain is common, but it’s not a life sentence. Pain changes how you walk, and that can ripple upwardaffecting
knees, hips, and back. Treating the foot issue can protect the rest of your body from becoming an innocent bystander.
Myth 3: “If it’s a ‘foot problem,’ I can just buy a brace online.”
Sometimes supportive devices help. But buying the wrong fix can delay recoveryor make things worse. A proper diagnosis
matters, especially for persistent pain, injuries, numbness, or diabetes-related concerns.
Conclusion
A podiatrist is a DPMan expert in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle problems, from everyday heel
pain to complex diabetic wound care. If your feet are limiting your life, changing how you walk, or showing warning
signs like numbness, swelling, or slow-healing wounds, podiatry care can be a game-changer.
Think of it this way: you only get one pair of feet. They deserve more than random internet hacks and “maybe it’ll go
away.” (Spoiler: it often doesn’t.)
Experiences people commonly have with podiatrists (and what they learn)
If you’ve never been to a podiatrist, the experience is usually a lot more normaland a lot more helpfulthan people
expect. Many patients walk in thinking, “I’m probably overreacting,” and walk out thinking, “Oh… I should have done
this months ago.” Here are a few real-world patterns people often describe, plus the practical lessons behind them.
1) The “mystery heel pain” that turns out to be fixable. A common story is someone who has heel pain
for weeksworse in the morning, better after moving, then angry again after a long day. They’ve tried switching shoes,
rolling a frozen water bottle, and negotiating with their feet like they’re toddlers. At the appointment, the podiatrist
checks flexibility, foot mechanics, and tenderness points, and explains why the pain behaves the way it does. The
“aha” moment is often realizing that the fix isn’t one magic gadgetit’s a consistent plan: stretching, strengthening,
load management, and support. People often learn that doing the right boring things daily beats doing the dramatic
things once.
2) The athlete who discovers their feet have opinions about training. Runners and active teens often
show up with recurring ankle sprains, aching arches, or pain on the top of the foot. They may be surprised by how much
the podiatrist asks about training volume, surfaces, and recovery. It can feel oddly validating when a clinician says,
“This isn’t weaknessyou’re overloading tissue that isn’t getting time to adapt.” Patients commonly leave with a
clearer plan: temporary activity modifications, supportive taping or bracing, and targeted exercises to improve
stability. The biggest takeaway is that “pushing through” is not a personality traitsometimes it’s just a detour to a
longer recovery.
3) The person with diabetes who realizes foot care is prevention, not vanity. People with diabetes
sometimes don’t feel foot injuries due to nerve changes, so they’re shocked when a podiatrist says, “Check your feet
every day.” Many describe learning small but powerful habits: using a mirror for the soles, checking inside shoes for
debris, avoiding barefoot walking, and getting help early for hot spots or skin changes. They often say the appointment
feels less like “a foot visit” and more like a safety briefingbecause that’s exactly what it is.
4) The ingrown toenail saga that ends in relief. People frequently try to solve ingrown toenails at
home (usually with tools that were never meant to meet skin). By the time they see a podiatrist, walking hurts and the
toe looks irritated. Many are surprised that an in-office procedure can be quick and that prevention strategies
(proper trimming, shoe fit, managing nail shape) matter. The main lesson: discomfort isn’t a badge of honor, and “DIY”
isn’t always “do it yourself”sometimes it’s “damage it yourself.”
5) The footwear reality check. A lot of patients say they came for pain relief and left with a new
understanding of shoes. Not everyone needs bulky orthopedic footwear, but many do benefit from better fit, better
support, or smarter choices for specific activities. People often learn that shoes are equipment, not just styleand
that you can still have style while choosing options that don’t sabotage your joints.
Overall, the most common “experience takeaway” is simple: podiatry visits aren’t just about treating pain; they’re
about restoring functionwalking, running, standing, working, and living without constantly thinking about your feet.
