A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Podiatrists hold a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. They treat everything from heel pain and ingrown toenails to sports injuries, diabetic foot problems, and foot and ankle conditions that may require surgery.
Key Takeaways
- A podiatrist is a doctor. Podiatrists earn a DPM degree after four years of podiatric medical school, followed by a hospital-based residency.
- They specialize in the foot and ankle. Their expertise includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, skin, and nails, as well as issues affecting how you stand and walk.
- They treat a wide range of problems. Common ones include heel pain, bunions, gout, ingrown and fungal toenails, warts, sprains, fractures, and diabetic foot care.
- Many podiatrists perform surgery. Surgical training is part of podiatric residency.
- You don’t need a referral. Pain that lasts, changes in your skin or nails, numbness, or any foot wound when you have diabetes are all good reasons to see one.
Is a Podiatrist a Doctor?
Yes. A podiatrist is a doctor, but not a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). Podiatrists earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree.
The training path looks like this:
- Four years of undergraduate study, usually with a science focus
- Four years of podiatric medical school, covering general medicine plus in-depth study of the foot and ankle
- A hospital-based residency, typically three years, with training in medicine and surgery
Why Isn’t a Podiatrist an MD?
It comes down to when they specialize. An MD goes to medical school first and chooses a specialty later. A DPM enters medical school already focused on the foot and ankle. Their entire medical education builds toward it.
That’s why podiatrists are often the first specialist people see for foot problems. It’s all they do.
What Does a Podiatrist Treat?
Podiatrists treat conditions affecting every part of the foot and ankle. Here are some of the most common reasons people see one.
Heel and Arch Pain
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people see a podiatrist. Plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause, but not the only one.
Toe and Joint Problems
Skin and Nail Problems
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal toenails
- Plantar warts
- Corns, calluses, and blisters
Injuries
- Ankle sprains and fractures
- Achilles tendon problems
- Sports and running injuries
Diabetic Foot Care and Neuropathy
People with diabetes can lose feeling in their feet and heal more slowly. Podiatrists check for nerve damage, circulation problems, and wounds before they turn serious.
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can cause numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet. It’s common with diabetes but has other causes too.
Foot Structure and How You Walk
Flat feet, high arches, and issues with how your feet move can cause pain in your feet, knees, hips, or back. Podiatrists evaluate how you stand and walk. They often treat these problems with custom orthotics, shoe inserts tailored to your feet.
Kids’ Foot Problems
Podiatrists treat children too, from flat feet and heel pain in young athletes to warts and ingrown toenails.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You don’t need to wait until you can’t walk. See a podiatrist if you have:
- Foot or ankle pain that lasts more than a week or two
- Sudden, severe pain, swelling, or trouble putting weight on your foot
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet
- A wound, sore, or blister that won’t heal
- Changes in the color, shape, or thickness of your toenails
- A bump, growth, or change in the shape of your foot
- A problem that keeps coming back
If you have diabetes, call right away for any foot wound or change in feeling.
For a fuller list, see 10 Signs It’s Time to See a Podiatrist.
What Happens at Your First Podiatrist Visit?
A first visit usually follows the same basic steps.
Your History
Your foot doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, your medical history, and any medications you take.
An Exam
Your foot doctor will examine your feet and ankles, check your skin and nails, test your circulation and sensation, and may watch how you walk.
Imaging or Tests
Some problems need an X-ray or other imaging to confirm what’s going on.
Diagnosis and a Plan
You’ll leave knowing what’s wrong and what comes next. That might be home care, custom orthotics, medication, an in-office procedure, or physical therapy.
It helps to bring the shoes you wear most. They often tell your foot doctor as much as your feet do.
Podiatrist vs. Orthopedist: What’s the Difference?
Both podiatrists and orthopedists treat foot and ankle problems. The difference is focus.
An orthopedist is an MD or DO who treats the whole musculoskeletal system, including hips, knees, shoulders, and spine. Some orthopedists later specialize in the foot and ankle.
A podiatrist focuses on the foot and ankle from the start of medical training. A DPM also treats skin and nail problems, diabetic wounds, and routine foot care, which orthopedists usually don’t.
There’s a lot of overlap. Both may treat fractures, bunions, tendon injuries, and arthritis. For most foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist is a natural place to start. If your problem involves other joints or your whole body, your podiatrist can refer you to the right specialist.
Can a Podiatrist Perform Surgery?
Yes. Surgical training is part of podiatric residency, and many podiatrists perform foot and ankle surgery. Common procedures include bunion and hammertoe correction, ingrown toenail removal, tendon repair, and fracture repair.
What a podiatrist can do surgically depends on their training, board certification, hospital privileges, and state law. Many foot problems never require surgery. When appropriate, treatment often starts with nonsurgical options before considering surgery.
Do Podiatrists Treat Ankle Problems?
Yes. “Foot doctor” makes it sound like podiatrists stop at the ankle, but the ankle is central to what they treat. That includes sprains, fractures, ankle instability, arthritis, and Achilles tendon injuries.
“A lot of people wait months before they see us because they assume foot pain is just part of life. It usually isn’t. Most foot problems are easier to treat when you catch them early, and a lot of them can be fixed without surgery.”
— Podiatrist Dr. Jason Sweeley, DPM, Silver Spring Foot & Ankle
Podiatrist FAQs
Why would a person see a podiatrist?
People see a podiatrist for foot or ankle pain, injuries, skin and nail problems, and changes in how their feet look or feel. People with diabetes also see podiatrists for regular checkups to prevent serious problems.
Do podiatrists cut toenails?
Yes. Podiatrists trim toenails for people who can’t safely do so themselves, including those with diabetes, poor circulation, thick or fungal nails, or difficulty reaching their feet. They also treat ingrown toenails.
Do podiatrists go to medical school?
Yes. A DPM attends a four-year podiatric medical school, then completes a hospital-based residency. Their training covers general medicine plus in-depth study of the foot and ankle.
What is the most common problem treated by podiatrists?
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist, and plantar fasciitis is a common cause. Podiatrists also frequently treat ingrown toenails, bunions, fungal nails, injuries, and diabetic foot problems.
What are the first signs of diabetes in the feet?
Early signs include numbness, tingling, or burning, especially in the toes. Cuts or blisters that heal slowly and dry, cracked skin can also be warning signs.
How do I choose a good podiatrist?
Start by checking whether the DPM is board-certified and has experience with your problem. Look for someone who explains the diagnosis clearly, discusses both nonsurgical and surgical options when appropriate, and gives you enough information to make an informed decision about your care. Reviews, location, and whether they take your insurance matter too.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
Often, no. Many people book directly. Some insurance plans require a referral, so check your plan before your visit.
Looking for a Podiatrist Near You?
Silver Spring Foot & Ankle provides podiatry care in Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, and Harrisburg, and communities throughout Central PA. If you’re looking for podiatrists near you, we’re here to help you get back on your feet. Schedule an appointment or call 717.237.9000.
