Understanding the Role of a Podiatrist: Expertise, Conditions, and Care

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD | Last reviewed: October 7, 2026

Figure 1: An overview of the specialized scope and diagnostic capabilities of a podiatrist.

Quick Answer: What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist, or doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), is a healthcare provider who focuses on the health of the feet, ankles and lower legs. Podiatrists can perform examinations, order diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and perform surgery. [1] They treat children and adults for both acute injuries and chronic conditions that affect lower extremity function and mobility. [1]

What the research says

• Surgery prevents ingrown toenails from coming back better than non-surgical treatment, and adding phenol may help further. A Cochrane review of 24 trials (2,826 participants) found surgical interventions were more effective than non-surgical ones at preventing recurrence; in the one trial comparing partial nail avulsion with matrix excision with and without phenol (117 participants), recurrence was 14% with phenol versus 41% without (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17–0.69) (Eekhof et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012) [2].

• For plantar fasciitis, shoe inserts and other mechanical treatments can relieve symptoms. A systematic review of 43 articles (2,837 patients) concluded that mechanical treatment can be beneficial, that contoured full-length insoles work better than heel cups, that combining night splints or rocker shoes with insoles improves pain relief and function compared with any one alone, and that taping is an effective short-term treatment (Schuitema et al., Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 2020) [3].

• For people with diabetes at high risk, home temperature monitoring and pressure-relieving footwear likely reduce the chance of a foot ulcer returning. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 controlled studies found moderate-certainty evidence that temperature monitoring (5 RCTs; RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.31–0.84) and pressure-optimised footwear or insoles (2 RCTs; RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.26–1.47) likely reduce plantar ulcer recurrence (van Netten et al., Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 2024) [4].

Overview of Podiatric Medicine

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery who specializes in the comprehensive care of the feet and ankles. [1] These professionals examine, diagnose, and treat a variety of issues that affect the lower legs and extremities. In clinical settings, they may be referred to as podiatric physicians, podiatric surgeons, or podiatric foot and ankle surgeons. The term is pronounced “puh-DAI-uh-trisst.” [1]

Becoming a podiatrist requires significant academic and clinical training. Most practitioners complete a four-year undergraduate degree followed by four years at a specialized podiatric medical school to earn their DPM degree. After this, most U.S. states require a three-year residency program, and some physicians pursue an additional year of fellowship training for further specialization. [1]

Scope of Practice and Conditions Treated

Podiatrists are qualified to treat any issue that affects the foot or ankle. Their role involves performing physical examinations and using various tests to identify problems that may hinder a patient’s ability to move or use their lower extremities effectively. They provide care for patients of all ages, including children. [1]

Condition Category	Examples of Conditions Treated
Common Foot Issues	Ingrown toenails, bunions, plantar warts, toe deformities, and tendonitis.
Injuries	Sports injuries, ankle sprains, heel bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendon ruptures.
Fractures	Fifth metatarsal, toe, Lisfranc, Jones, and talus fractures.
Chronic/Systemic	Foot and ankle arthritis, skin conditions, diabetic foot problems, and swelling of lower extremities.

In addition to diagnosis, podiatrists can order laboratory or imaging tests, such as X-rays, to gain a deeper understanding of internal structures. They can prescribe medications and medical devices, including orthotics (shoe inserts), braces, and casts. They may also suggest mobility aids like canes and walkers to support recovery and daily function. [1]

The Role of Podiatry in Diabetes Management

For individuals living with diabetes, a podiatrist can be an important member of the healthcare team. Diabetes increases the risk of developing foot sores and infections, and symptoms in the feet are often the first sign of diabetes-related neuropathy. A podiatrist checks for numbness or loss of feeling in the toes, feet, and legs. [1]

Clinical Action	Podiatric Procedure for Diabetes Care
Screening	Asking about symptoms and blood glucose management, examining the toes, feet and legs, and checking for numbness with different tools.
Ulcer Examination	Checking blisters or sores for discoloration, swelling, warmth, or discharge.
Diagnostic Testing	Ordering X-rays and taking skin or discharge samples to test for infection.

Early evaluation by a podiatrist can help keep minor foot problems from becoming serious. For a deeper look at this topic, see our guide to diabetes-related foot conditions below.

Figure 2: The clinical pathway for podiatric assessment, from initial gait analysis to long-term chronic management.

When to Seek Specialized Care

Patients should consult a podiatrist if they experience symptoms that make it difficult or painful to use their feet or ankles. While many common foot issues are not life-threatening, attempting to self-diagnose or use over-the-counter treatments without professional guidance can make a minor problem more serious. [1]

Key symptoms that warrant a visit include:

• Persistent pain or swelling in the foot or ankle. [1]

• Visible discoloration or redness. [1]

• A feeling of unusual heat or warmth in the lower extremity. [1]

• The appearance of new growths or bumps on or under the skin. [1]

During a consultation, a podiatrist asks about your overall health and medications, and may perform a gait assessment, watching how you stand and walk. They will also ask about your footwear, work, and any sports or hobbies that may stress your feet and ankles. [1]

Figure 3: A comparison between the specialized focus of a podiatrist and the broader scope of an orthopedist.

Conclusion

Podiatrists provide vital medical and surgical care for the lower extremities, helping patients maintain mobility and quality of life. Whether treating a short-term injury or managing a chronic condition like diabetes, their specialized training allows for precise diagnosis and effective intervention. Seeking early professional care for foot and ankle symptoms is the best way to prevent complications and support long-term health.

Call to action: If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, swelling, or changes in your gait, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a professional evaluation and a personalized care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a podiatrist a real doctor?

Yes, podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM). They attend specialized podiatric medical schools and are qualified to diagnose and treat any issue affecting the feet, including performing surgery.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedist?

A podiatrist specializes in the feet, ankles, and lower legs, while an orthopedist treats the entire musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues). You might meet with both, depending on your condition.

Do podiatrists perform surgery?

Yes, podiatrists are trained as surgeons and can perform surgery on the foot and ankle.

How long does it take to become a podiatrist?

It takes four years to earn a DPM degree, and most podiatrists also hold a four-year undergraduate degree. Most U.S. states then require three years of residency training, and some physicians complete an additional year of fellowship.

Should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?

Yes, ingrown toenails are among the common problems podiatrists treat, and professional care can help prevent them from becoming infected or recurring.

Can a podiatrist help with back pain?

While they focus on the feet and ankles, a podiatrist’s assessment of your gait and footwear can sometimes identify issues that contribute to leg or back pain.

What is a gait assessment?

A gait assessment is an evaluation where the podiatrist watches you stand and walk to identify issues with your movement patterns.

Why do people with diabetes need to see a podiatrist?

People with diabetes are more likely to develop foot sores and infections, and foot symptoms are often the first sign of diabetes-related neuropathy, so regular checks help catch problems early.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts that a podiatrist can prescribe to support the foot or correct its alignment.

Can a podiatrist treat sports injuries?

Yes, they treat sports injuries, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and fractures of the foot and ankle.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

Whether you need a referral depends on your health plan and healthcare system, so check with your insurer or provider before booking.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Be ready to share your medical history, your medications, your symptoms and when they started, and the kinds of shoes you wear most often.

Can podiatrists treat children?

Yes, podiatrists provide care for patients of all ages, including children.

What is the difference between a bunion and a corn?

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, while a corn is a thickened patch of skin caused by friction.

When is foot pain considered an emergency?

Seek urgent medical care if you suspect a fracture, have a deep wound, or notice signs of a severe infection such as high fever and spreading redness.

Related reading on Rinnit

• Diabetes-Related Foot Conditions (Diabetic Feet): What They Are, Symptoms, the Dangerous "Snowball Effect," Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention — What You Need to Know

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. Podiatrist. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated September 21, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/podiatrist

2. Eekhof JAH, Van Wijk B, Knuistingh Neven A, van der Wouden JC. Interventions for ingrowing toenails. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(4):CD001541. PMID: 22513901. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001541.pub3

3. Schuitema D, Greve C, Postema K, Dekker R, Hijmans JM. Effectiveness of mechanical treatment for plantar fasciitis: a systematic review. J Sport Rehabil. 2020;29(5):657-674. PMID: 31629333. DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2019-0036

4. van Netten JJ, Raspovic A, Lavery LA, et al. Prevention of foot ulcers in persons with diabetes at risk of ulceration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2024;40(3):e3652. PMID: 37243880. DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3652

Medical disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.