A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), a medical professional specializing exclusively in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the lower leg. Specialists complete four years of podiatric medical school and typically three years of hospital-based residency training, providing comprehensive medical and surgical expertise. The goal of the appointment is accurately identifying the source of discomfort or dysfunction.
Why Schedule a Visit?
Many people seek podiatric care when they experience persistent pain that interferes with their daily mobility. A common complaint is chronic heel pain, often rooted in plantar fasciitis, which causes a sharp, stabbing sensation, especially with the first steps in the morning. Other mechanical issues frequently treated include the painful bony prominence of a bunion or the joint deformity of a hammertoe, which cause rubbing and pressure inside footwear.
Infections and skin conditions are also frequent reasons for a visit, such as stubborn fungal infections that thicken and discolor the toenails, or painful, infected ingrown toenails where the nail edge has pierced the surrounding skin. Athletes often consult a podiatrist for sports-related injuries, including ankle sprains, stress fractures, or Achilles tendon issues. Annual foot examinations are a standard part of care for people with diabetes, where poor circulation or nerve damage necessitates regular professional assessment to prevent serious complications like foot ulcers.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before arriving at the clinic, organizing a few items can help make the appointment more productive and efficient. It is helpful to gather all relevant medical history, especially any records related to chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or vascular issues. Compiling a list of all current medications, including over-the-counter supplements, provides the podiatrist with a complete health profile.
Bringing the shoes you wear most often, or the athletic shoes used during exercise, allows the doctor to assess wear patterns that offer clues about your gait and foot mechanics. It is recommended to avoid trimming your toenails or shaving down any corns or calluses before the appointment. Leaving these areas undisturbed allows the podiatrist to accurately evaluate the full extent and nature of the issue.
The Examination and Diagnosis Process
The appointment begins with a thorough conversation where the podiatrist reviews your medical history and discusses the location, onset, and nature of your symptoms. They will ask about daily activities, exercise routines, and the kinds of shoes you wear to understand the mechanical stresses placed on your feet and ankles. This initial intake helps narrow the potential causes before the physical assessment begins.
The physical examination involves a detailed assessment of the skin, nails, and musculoskeletal structure. The podiatrist will check for signs of poor circulation by palpating pulses and will test nerve function by evaluating reflexes and sensation in the lower extremities. They will observe your posture and perform a dynamic gait analysis, watching you walk to identify any biomechanical irregularities, such as overpronation or supination, that contribute to your symptoms.
If a soft tissue injury or a structural issue is suspected, the podiatrist may utilize in-office diagnostic tools. X-rays visualize bone alignment, fractures, or arthritic changes. For soft tissue conditions like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, an ultrasound may be used to provide a real-time view of the ligaments and tendons, helping confirm a precise diagnosis.
Common In-Office Treatments
Many common foot and ankle issues can be addressed immediately with non-surgical procedures in the clinic. For patients with thickened or fungal toenails, the podiatrist can provide professional trimming and debridement using specialized instruments. Painful corns and calluses are routinely reduced or removed with a sterile blade, offering immediate relief from pressure and friction.
For acute injuries, the doctor may apply specialized padding, strapping, or bracing to stabilize the foot or ankle, promoting healing while reducing strain. If a biomechanical issue is identified, such as flat feet or high arches, the podiatrist can take a custom mold or 3D scan of your feet to create prescription orthotics. These custom inserts fit inside your shoes, redistributing pressure and correcting alignment to improve function and alleviate pain.
Minor surgical procedures are also frequently performed in the office. This includes the permanent removal of a portion of an ingrown toenail, known as a partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy, or the excision of warts that have not responded to topical treatments. For cases of severe inflammation, such as heel pain, a corticosteroid injection may be administered directly to the affected area to quickly reduce swelling and discomfort.