Podiatrists Guide

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Also known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), they help with injuries, chronic conditions, and mobility issues that affect walking, balance, and overall foot health.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of foot and ankle issues. Their work includes:

• Diagnosing and treating foot pain, injuries, and infections
• Performing minor surgeries (e.g., ingrown toenail removal, bunion surgery)
• Providing orthotics and braces for foot support
• Treating diabetic foot complications to prevent ulcers and infections
• Managing sports injuries and rehabilitation programs
• Correcting foot deformities in children and adults

They also offer preventive care for individuals at risk of foot complications, such as diabetics and older adults.

Podiatrists Training

To become a podiatrist, one must complete:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (pre-med or biology).
• A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree (4 years of medical school focused on foot and ankle care).
• A residency program (3+ years of hands-on training in hospitals or clinics).
• Board certification in a podiatric specialty (optional but preferred).

Types of Podiatrist Specialists

Podiatrists specialize in different areas of foot care, including:

• General Podiatrists – Treat common foot issues like bunions, corns, and ingrown toenails.
• Sports Podiatrists – Focus on athletic injuries and foot mechanics for active individuals.
• Diabetic Foot Specialists – Manage foot ulcers, infections, and nerve damage in diabetic patients.
• Surgical Podiatrists – Perform reconstructive surgeries on the foot and ankle.
• Pediatric Podiatrists – Treat foot deformities and gait abnormalities in children.
• Geriatric Podiatrists – Help seniors manage foot pain, arthritis, and mobility issues.

Why Would I Be Referred to a Podiatrist?

Your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist if you have:

• Chronic foot or ankle pain that doesn’t improve with home care.
• Diabetes-related foot concerns, such as wounds or nerve damage.
• Ingrown toenails, bunions, or heel spurs.
• Flat feet or high arches causing discomfort.
• Sports injuries affecting your feet or lower legs.
• Difficulty walking, standing, or maintaining balance.

Conditions Podiatrists Diagnose and Treat

Podiatrists help manage conditions such as:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Bunions and hammertoes (toe deformities)
• Ingrown toenails and fungal infections
• Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains
• Diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathy
• Flat feet, high arches, and gait problems

Symptoms to Tell Your Podiatrist About

• Foot or ankle pain that won’t go away
• Swelling, redness, or sores on the feet
• Tingling or numbness in the feet (especially in diabetics)
• Difficulty walking, running, or balancing
• Changes in foot shape, arch height, or toe alignment

Anatomy and Physiology

Podiatrists focus on:

• Bones and joints – Ankle, heel, metatarsals, toes.
• Muscles, tendons, and ligaments – Achilles tendon, plantar fascia.
• Skin and nails – Corns, calluses, warts, fungal infections.
• Nerve function – Diabetic neuropathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Reasons to See a Podiatrist

• Persistent foot or ankle pain
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
• Diabetes-related foot concerns
• Foot deformities or misalignment
• Recurrent foot infections or skin issues

How to Choose a Podiatrist

• Check their qualifications and board certifications.
• Look for experience with your specific condition.
• Read reviews or ask for referrals from your primary doctor.
• Consider location, availability, and treatment approach.

Visit Preparation

• Bring medical records, X-rays, or previous test results.
• Wear shoes you normally use for a foot assessment.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, pain levels, and concerns.
• Write down any medications you take.

What Questions to Ask?

• What is causing my foot pain?
• What treatment options do I have?
• How can I prevent future foot problems?
• Do I need orthotics or special footwear?
• How long will my recovery take?

Treatments

• Custom orthotics for foot alignment and support.
• Physical therapy for rehabilitation.
• Wound care for diabetic foot ulcers.
• Cortisone injections for inflammation and pain relief.
• Minimally invasive procedures (e.g., laser therapy for toenail fungus).

Procedures

• X-rays and imaging tests to diagnose bone issues.
• Ingrown toenail removal for pain relief.
• Bunion or hammertoe correction surgery.
• Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis.
• Gait analysis to assess foot movement.

Care & Monitoring

• Regular foot check-ups for diabetic patients.
• Tracking progress with imaging tests.
• Adjusting treatment plans as needed.
• Providing at-home care routines and exercises.

Early Detection & Screenings

• Diabetic foot exams to catch nerve damage early.
• Biomechanical assessments for posture and gait.
• Preventive screenings for high-risk individuals.

Caregiver Support & Family Involvement

• For seniors – Families can help monitor foot changes and provide mobility support.
• For diabetics – Caregivers assist with wound care and hygiene.
• For children – Parents ensure proper footwear and foot development monitoring.

Clinical Products

1. Custom orthotic insoles – Provide arch support and relieve foot pain.
2. Compression socks – Improve circulation and reduce swelling.
3. Toe spacers – Help with bunion and hammertoe alignment.
4. Antifungal treatments – Manage athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
5. Ankle braces – Support weak or injured ankles.

Services

1. In-clinic podiatry care – Treatment for various foot conditions.
2. Telemedicine consultations – Virtual appointments for minor foot concerns.
3. Diabetic foot care programs – Specialized care to prevent complications.
4. Sports injury rehabilitation – Therapy and recovery plans for athletes.
5. Gait and posture analysis – Assessments for custom orthotics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do podiatrists only treat foot problems?

They specialize in feet, ankles, and lower leg conditions.

2. Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

In many cases, no referral is needed, but check with your insurance.

3. Can podiatrists perform surgery?

Yes, podiatrists can perform minor and reconstructive foot surgeries.

4. How do I prevent foot pain?

Wear proper footwear, maintain a healthy weight, and stretch regularly.

5. What are custom orthotics?

They are prescription shoe inserts that improve foot function and reduce pain.

6. How often should diabetics see a podiatrist?

At least once a year, or more if they have foot issues.

7. Can podiatrists help with toenail fungus?

Yes, they offer laser treatment and antifungal medication.

8. Is foot pain normal as I age?

No, foot pain is not normal and should be addressed by a podiatrist.

9. Can children see a podiatrist?

Yes, pediatric podiatrists specialize in child foot development.

10. Are bunions hereditary?

Yes, genetics can play a role in bunion development.

The Hosst.com Platform uses a Digital Twin to help users manage their health by tracking, organising, and optimising healthcare activities. It provides personalised insights and assists with scheduling checkups, tests, and doctor visits.

Key features include:

• Symptom management: Recommends tests and treatments based on user input.
• Health data tracking: Monitors glucose, blood pressure, and more from health devices or manual inputs. Connects with your favorite apps and health monitors.
• Alerts: Warns of abnormal health signs and suggests corrective actions.
• Lifestyle recommendations: Offers diet, medication, and lifestyle tips based on health trends.
• Test result interpretation: Simplifies complex results and explains what they mean for the user.
• Preventive care: Sends reminders for checkups and suggests actions to prevent illness.
• Health scenario simulations: Predicts potential health outcomes based on current data.
• Product and service finder: Helps users find the right healthcare product or service.
• Doctor visit preparation: Gathers vitals, history, insurance, and questions for productive visits, with easy sharing to doctors.
• User-friendly: Ask in your own words, available on tablets, desktops, and mobile devices.

The platform simplifies health management and improves well-being. Free and easy to use and no installation required, get started today.

Disclaimer: The information provided in these articles is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or starting any treatments.

Photo credits Freepik.com