Healthy feet are fundamental to quality of life; they can also indicate overall health. A podiatrist is a physician and surgeon who treats the foot and ankle, and this specialist receives focused medical training. Feet are complex structures that support movement. Because podiatrists treat a wide range of conditions, their role covers many forms of care, and understanding that role can clarify how foot and ankle treatment is provided.
Understanding a Podiatrist’s Training
Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, or DPMs. They are physicians, surgeons, and specialists, and their training focuses on the foot and ankle. A podiatrist completes four years of undergraduate education, four years of podiatric medical school, and three years of hospital-based surgical residency training; their education is similar to that of other physicians. Podiatrists can also focus on areas such as surgery, sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Although state laws can affect a podiatrist’s scope of practice, all states permit podiatrists to treat the foot; the scope can vary by state.
Knowing What Podiatrists Treat
A podiatrist treats foot and ankle conditions across every stage of life. Common concerns include bunions, ingrown toenails, foot fungus, plantar fasciitis, hammertoe, corns, calluses, bone deformities, and diabetic foot problems; the practice also treats sports injuries and pediatric foot problems. Podiatrists treat arthritis, Achilles tendinitis, fractures, strains, and sprains, and they also address other foot and ankle injuries while treating patients across areas such as sports medicine and pediatrics. These conditions vary in type. When conditions vary, podiatrists can also treat patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, obesity, heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease.
They use conservative treatments when possible; surgical care is also available for foot and ankle conditions. Conservative treatments include taping, splinting, bracing, medication, custom-fitted orthotics, physical therapy, and wound care. The practice provides foot and ankle surgery. When surgery is part of care, the practice provides foot and ankle surgery, and in-house X-rays are available. Modern technology supports podiatry care, and the practice uses it as part of its treatment approach.
Recognizing When Pain Signals a Problem
Foot pain is never normal. Persistent pain can indicate a foot or ankle condition, and doctors evaluate the source of leg, heel, foot, and ankle pain. The practice focuses on finding the root cause of foot and ankle problems; it personalizes treatment based on patient needs. Podiatrists treat patients with chronic illnesses. When conditions such as diabetes affect the feet, podiatric care can be part of a broader health-care team, and treatment addresses foot and ankle problems.
Schedule a Podiatry Evaluation
A clinic provides medical and surgical care for the foot and ankle. Foot health relates to overall health; they can treat conditions that affect the foot and ankle. Podiatrists also provide care for people with chronic illnesses, and their role can extend across specialties such as surgery, sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. When a foot or ankle concern requires evaluation, scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist provides an opportunity to discuss the condition and available treatment options.
