A podiatrist, formally known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a medical specialist focused on the comprehensive care of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the lower leg. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions affecting these specific anatomical areas. Their expertise includes medical and surgical approaches to maintain mobility and overall foot health. This article outlines the specialized knowledge and extensive role a podiatrist offers.
Focus of Podiatric Care
Podiatric care focuses on the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists complete four years of podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency. This training equips them to provide diverse treatments, from conservative therapies to complex surgery. They can prescribe medications, order diagnostic imaging, and perform physical examinations. Podiatrists also use biomechanics to assess gait and foot function, developing personalized treatment plans.
Their practice includes diagnosing and treating conditions through medical, mechanical, manipulative, and surgical methods. Podiatrists often collaborate with other medical professionals for comprehensive patient care. This expertise allows them to address lower extremity issues with precision.
Common Conditions Treated
Podiatrists diagnose and treat many foot and ankle conditions, from common ailments to complex disorders. They manage bunions, bony enlargements at the base of the big toe, with footwear changes, pain relief, or splints. Hammertoes, an unnatural bend in a toe’s middle joint, are also treated. Ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the skin causing pain and infection, can be treated by lifting the nail, partial removal, or a preventive procedure.
Fungal infections of the toenails, often resistant to home remedies, are addressed with oral or topical antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail removal. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain from tissue inflammation on the foot’s bottom, is managed with physical therapy, custom orthotics, or splints. Achilles tendonitis, an Achilles tendon inflammation often due to overuse, is treated using rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol), physical therapy, and orthotics. Surgery may be necessary for severe cases.
Podiatrists are important in diabetic foot care, managing neuropathy, poor circulation, and ulcers to prevent complications like amputation. They provide regular checkups, wound care, and footwear advice for individuals with diabetes. Podiatrists also manage sports injuries such as sprains, fractures, and tendonitis, assisting with diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. They address arthritis in the foot and ankle, which causes joint pain and swelling, and nerve pains like neuromas.
When to Seek Podiatric Care
Seek podiatric care for various foot and ankle symptoms or conditions. Persistent pain or discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest or basic care warrants evaluation. Noticeable changes in foot appearance, like bunions, flat feet, or unusual skin and nail changes, also indicate a need for a visit.
Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your feet can signal nerve issues. Difficulty walking, balance problems, or gait changes may also require podiatric attention. For individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, regular checkups are important to detect and manage foot problems early, preventing severe complications. Injuries such as sprains or fractures of the foot or ankle are also within a podiatrist’s expertise. Early intervention can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent minor issues from becoming complex health challenges.