What is a Podiatrist? | Guide to Podiatry and Foot and Ankle Care

A Podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating problems with the feet and ankles. Podiatrists can treat various conditions, from bunions and hammertoe to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. In addition to providing medical care, Podiatrists also play an essential role in preventing foot and ankle injuries. For example, they can advise on choosing the right shoes and how to care for your feet properly. Whether you are experiencing pain or want to maintain healthy feet, visiting the podiatrist can help you take care of your most important asset: your feet.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower leg disorders. Podiatrists work with patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. They often treat disease or overuse injuries, such as bunions, heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis. In addition to providing medical care, podiatrists may also perform surgery to correct problems with the bones and soft tissues of the foot and ankle.

Podiatrists play an essential role in keeping people mobile and active. By diagnosing and treating conditions that can cause pain and disability, they help patients stay on their feet and avoid potential complications. With their knowledge of the structure and function of the foot and ankle, podiatrists are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for all kinds of foot and lower leg problems.

Is a Podiatrist a Doctor?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. A podiatrist attends a four-year podiatric medical school and completes a residency program. After completing their education and training, podiatrists receive a license from the state where they will be practicing. However, they are not medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). MDs and DOs are licensed to practice all branches of medicine, while podiatrists are licensed to practice podiatric medicine.

Podiatrist Education and Training

Podiatry education and training are essential for podiatrists to treat foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions effectively. Podiatric medical schools offer accredited podiatric medical programs that lead to the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. After completing a podiatric medical program and passing board examinations, podiatrists must complete a residency program in podiatric surgery. Podiatric residencies typically last three years and include training in general surgery, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, dermatology, radiology, primary podiatric medicine, and podiatric surgery. In addition, podiatrists must obtain a state license to practice podiatry. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Generally, they require the successful completion of exams and a criminal background check. Podiatrists who want to specialize in a particular practice area may also choose to complete a fellowship program. Fellowship programs typically last one to two years and provide advanced surgical techniques, research methods, and clinical care training.

What are the Top Podiatry Schools in the US?

There are nine schools in which to study podiatric medicine in the US.

1. Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University (AZCPM)
2. Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine (BUSPM)
3. California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University (CSPM)
4. College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University (DMU-CPMS)
5. Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM)
6. New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM)
7. Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (SCPM)
8. Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM)
9. Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine (WUCPM)

What Conditions Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Visiting the podiatrist can be a valuable step in maintaining your overall health. A podiatrist is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists train to recognize the early signs of serious problems, such as diabetes and arthritis, and to provide prompt treatment that can help prevent further damage. Podiatrists treat common conditions, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, Achilles tendonitis, and Morton's neuroma. In addition to providing medical treatment, podiatrists also advise patients on how to protect their feet from further injury and how to maintain healthy feet through proper hygiene and shoe selection.

What Injuries Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists treat common injuries, including fractures, sprains, strains, and bruises. A podiatrist can treat a wide range of foot and ankle injuries, including:

• Achilles tendon rupture
• Ankle fractures
• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
• Ingrown toenails
• Neuromas
• Warts

Surgery may be necessary to correct some injuries. Patients may require surgery to fix foot and ankle problems in some cases. A podiatrist can also prescribe medication or other treatment options, such as orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts).

Do Podiatrists Perform Surgery?

Podiatrists train to perform surgery. Many podiatrists specialize in surgical treatments for problems affecting the feet and ankles. Patients often need surgery to correct problems with the bones, ligaments, or tendons in the foot or ankle. For example, a podiatrist may need to repair a fracture, correct a deformity, or remove a tumor. Podiatrists also perform surgery to treat conditions like bunions, hammertoe, and ingrown toenails. Your podiatrist will carefully evaluate your condition and determine if surgery is your best treatment option.

Some standard podiatric surgical procedures include:

• Bunionectomy
• Hammertoe correction
• Arthroscopic surgery
• Tendon repair
• Fusion surgery

What Kind of Patients Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists treat patients of all ages and backgrounds who are experiencing problems with their feet, ankles, or lower legs, including children, adults, and seniors.

What are the Top Reasons to See a Podiatrist?

There are many reasons to see a podiatrist. Here are the top three. 

1. Prevention - First, podiatrists can help you prevent foot and ankle injuries. They can do this by ensuring that your shoes fit properly and by providing you with custom orthotics to support your feet. They can also help you recover from an injury by creating a rehabilitation plan that will help you strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. 
2. Treatment - Second, podiatrists can help you treat conditions that affect your feet and ankles, such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. They can prescribe medication to relieve pain and inflammation and perform surgeries to correct some problems. 
3. Education - Third, podiatrists can provide you with guidance on how to take care of your feet. Regular foot care is critical if you have diabetes or another condition that puts you at risk for foot problems. Podiatrists can teach you how to care for your feet properly and avoid injuries.

What Should You Expect at a Podiatry Appointment?

At your first podiatry appointment, the doctor will likely ask about your medical history and any problems you're experiencing with your feet. They will also conduct a physical examination of your feet, looking for any signs of infection, deformity, or other problems. In some cases, X-rays or other imaging tests may be necessary to get a better look at your feet. The doctor may also ask you to walk so that they can assess your gait (the way you walk). The doctor will develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs based on all of this information.

In some cases, this may involve simple lifestyle changes, such as wearing different shoes or taking over-the-counter pain medication. More aggressive treatment, such as surgery, may be necessary in other cases. Regardless of the specific course of treatment, the goal is to improve the health and function of your feet.

Does Insurance Cover Podiatry Visits?

The answer to this question varies depending on the individual insurance plan. Some insurance plans do cover podiatry visits, while others do not. Contact your insurance company directly to determine if your insurance plan covers podiatry visits. Most insurance companies are happy to provide this information to their customers. If your insurance company does not cover podiatry visits, there are still ways to get the care you need. Often, podiatrists offer discounts to patients who pay out-of-pocket for their services. Some podiatrists offer sliding scale fees based on a patient's income. Podiatrists want their patients to be able to get the care they need, so they are usually willing to work with patients to find a way to make it happen. No matter your situation, there is likely a way for you to see a podiatrist and get the care you need.

Should I Visit a Podiatrist Every Year?

The simple answer is that you should visit a podiatrist every year for a check-up, but there are exceptions to this rule. If you have diabetes, you should see a podiatrist at least four times per year so that they can monitor your feet and look for signs of nerve damage or poor circulation. If you have any other foot conditions, such as bunions or hammertoes, you should also visit a podiatrist regularly. Even if you don't have any foot problems, it's still a good idea to visit a podiatrist once per year for a general check-up. You can catch any issues early and get treatment before they become serious.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Podiatrist?

You may have heard that you need a referral from your doctor to see a specialist, but this isn't always the case. In most states, you can see a podiatrist without a referral. However, there are some exceptions. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or another managed care plan, you may need a referral. Check with your insurance company to be sure. Even if you don't need a referral, it's always a good idea to let your doctor know when you're seeing another type of healthcare provider. This way, your doctor can coordinate your care and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Schedule an Appointment With a Trained Podiatrist

Do you have foot pain? Do your heels hurt when you wake up in the morning? Do you have diabetes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider visiting a podiatrist for a foot and ankle consultation. You don't have to live with foot pain. Get quality and professional care from a trained foot and ankle specialist.