What is a Foot Doctor and What Do They Do?

Your feet and ankles are two of the essential parts of your body, allowing you to walk, run, jump, and move about. When something goes wrong with your feet or ankles, it can significantly impact your daily life. This is where a podiatrist, also known as a foot doctor, comes in.

A podiatrist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems. They are podiatric medicine (DPMs) doctors, meaning they have completed four years of podiatric medical school and a three-year residency in podiatric medicine and surgery. Podiatrists are licensed medical professionals who can perform surgery, prescribe medication, order lab tests, and perform other medical procedures related to foot and ankle health.

This article will examine what a foot doctor does, the conditions they treat, and how they can help you maintain healthy feet and ankles.

Table of Contents

Education and Training

Becoming a podiatrist is not easy. It requires a significant amount of education and training to become a licensed practitioner. After completing an undergraduate degree, a student must attend a podiatric medical school accredited by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). These programs typically last four years and cover various topics, including anatomy, pharmacology, and surgery.

After graduating from podiatric medical school, a podiatrist must complete a three-year residency in medicine and surgery. During this time, they receive hands-on training in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions, including performing surgery, prescribing medication, and using orthotics.

Common Conditions Treated

Podiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems, including:

Ingrown toenails
Corns and calluses
Bunion and hammertoe
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Neuroma
Warts
Fractures and sprains
Foot disorders associated with high-demand activities, such as sports medicine

If you're experiencing any of the above conditions, or any other foot or ankle-related issues, a podiatrist can help you. They can diagnose your condition, provide treatment options, and develop a customized treatment plan to help you recover.

Treatment Options

When it comes to foot and ankle problems, podiatrists use a variety of treatment options to help their patients. The specific treatment plan will depend on the nature and severity of the condition. Here are a few treatment options that podiatrists may use:

Conservative Treatments

Conservative treatments are non-invasive, non-surgical treatments that aim to relieve symptoms and improve foot and ankle function. Some examples of conservative treatments include:

Orthotics: Podiatrists may prescribe custom-made orthotics, or shoe inserts, to help relieve pain and correct foot and ankle abnormalities.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve foot and ankle strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which can help relieve pain and prevent future injuries.
Medication: Podiatrists may prescribe medication to help relieve pain, inflammation, or other symptoms associated with foot and ankle conditions.

Surgery

Surgery may sometimes be necessary to correct foot and ankle problems. Podiatrists are trained to perform surgery and can help you determine whether surgery is the best option for your condition. Some examples of foot and ankle surgeries include:

Bunion surgery: Bunion surgery involves removing the bony bump on the side of the foot and realigning the affected joint.
Hammertoe surgery: Hammertoe surgery involves straightening the toes and correcting any deformities in the foot.
Heel spur surgery: Heel spur surgery involves removing the bone spur on the heel that causes pain and inflammation.
Achilles tendon surgery: Achilles tendon surgery involves repairing or replacing a damaged Achilles tendon.

Preventative Care

Preventative care and maintenance are essential to maintaining healthy feet and ankles. Podiatrists can guide how to prevent common foot and ankle problems, such as wearing proper footwear, exercising regularly, and maintaining good hygiene. Some preventative care measures may include:

Choosing the right footwear: Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well and provide adequate support can help prevent foot and ankle problems.
Maintaining good hygiene: Keeping your feet clean and dry can help prevent infections and other foot and ankle problems.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve foot and ankle strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which can help prevent future injuries.

Different Types of Foot Doctors

When it comes to foot and ankle health, different types of medical professionals can help you. While podiatrists are specialists in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems, other medical professionals may provide similar services. Here are a few different types of foot doctors:

Podiatrists: Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine who specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems. They are trained to perform surgery, prescribe medication, and provide other medical treatments related to foot and ankle health.
Orthopedic surgeons: Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including foot and ankle problems. They may also perform surgery and provide other foot and ankle health treatments.
Physical therapists: Physical therapists specialize in using exercise and movement to treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including foot and ankle problems. They can help patients regain mobility and reduce pain associated with foot and ankle conditions.
Medical doctors: While medical doctors (MDs) do not specialize in foot and ankle health, they can diagnose and treat various medical conditions, including foot and ankle problems. However, they may refer patients to a podiatrist or other specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

While there are different types of foot doctors, podiatrists are the only medical professionals who specialize exclusively in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems. If you're experiencing foot or ankle-related health problems, it's best to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get the specialized care you need.

Conclusion

Foot doctors, or podiatrists, are essential specialists in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems. They are highly trained medical professionals who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions related to the foot and ankle, helping patients maintain healthy feet and ankles for years to come. If you're experiencing foot or ankle pain, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist and get the specialized care you need.