What Does A Podiatrist Do? A Brief Guide

What does a podiatrist do, you ask? Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg. This includes ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, calluses, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, fungal infections of the feet (like athlete's foot), and toe abnormalities (such as hammertoes). Many podiatrists also perform surgery on people's feet or ankles.

What is the Difference Between a Podiatrist and Orthopedic Surgeon?

Suppose you're trying to decide between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon. A podiatrist specializes in the treatment of conditions affecting the foot (e.g., bunions), ankle (e.g., sprains), and lower leg (e.g., shin splints). An orthopedic surgeon treats problems that affect other parts of the body; this includes issues related to bones, joints, and muscles. 

Some people are also interested in chiropractors who treat injuries or pain by making adjustments to your spine or other joints or physical therapists who work with patients on physical rehabilitation through exercise and stretching. All three types of practitioners can often provide quality care for patients, but it depends on your specific situation and needs. Regardless of which type of practitioner you see, remember that all doctors are held to standards set forth by law and their medical association. They also have an obligation to treat you with compassion and respect as they help you heal from your injury or illness.

Do I Have to Have a Referral to See a Podiatrist?

Occasionally, an insurance company requires a referral from your family doctor or another physician. Most people don't need a referral to see a podiatrist in Chattanooga, TN. Check with your insurance company for more information about your specific situation.

How Many Years of School do Podiatrists Have?

Podiatrists are considered doctors, and they must complete an undergraduate degree and then a four-year podiatric medical school program. After completing this schooling, they must complete a three-year residency that covers all areas of podiatry.

What are the Main Conditions Treated by Podiatrists?

In addition to treating foot, ankle, and lower leg injuries such as sprains, fractures, and dislocations, podiatrists also address the following conditions:

• Feet problems that affect children
• Foot problems that affect people with diabetes
• Bunions and hammertoes are caused by arthritis or other diseases
• Flat feet and high arches
• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) is a common cause of heel pain in runners who over-train or run on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete

Where Can I Find a Podiatrist Near Me?

If you need to find a podiatrist near you, there are a few different ways you can start your search:

• Use the APMA's website to find a podiatrist by name or location
• Ask your primary care physician for a referral
• Reach out to friends and family members who have previously visited podiatrists and get their recommendations
• When in doubt, call your insurance company—they'll be able to give you a list of specialists who are covered under your plan
• Pick up the phone book if all else fails

Conclusion

A podiatrist is a specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists are highly skilled specialists whose experience enables them to provide superior care for all patients with foot problems. Podiatrists observe, evaluate, diagnose and treat diseases and other foot conditions. They also perform surgical procedures on the bone structure of the foot or lower leg if necessary.

If you have a sore on your foot that won't heal or pain in any area from your toes to your heels, it could be time to see a podiatrist.