Most of us don’t think much about our feet until something goes wrong. When pain, swelling, or nail problems appear, many people wonder: who should I see for this? Should you visit your primary care physician, an orthopedic doctor, or a podiatrist? To answer this, you first need to understand what type of doctor a podiatrist is and what a podiatrist treats.
This article explains the full scope of podiatric medicine: what can a podiatrist treat, what type of doctor is a podiatrist, and what does podiatrist treat in everyday practice.
What Type of Doctor Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). While they’re not MDs, they are highly trained physicians who specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.
Their education includes:
- Four years of podiatric medical school
- Extensive training in anatomy, biomechanics, and foot health
- Residency programs that include surgery, wound care, diabetic foot management, and sports medicine
Podiatrists often work alongside primary care physicians, endocrinologists, vascular doctors, and orthopedic surgeons, but their expertise is more narrowly focused: they are the go-to specialists for foot and ankle health.
What Does a Podiatrist Treat?
So, what does a podiatrist treat? The list is long, but here are the main categories of conditions they handle:
1. Nail and Skin Disorders
- Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) thick, discolored, brittle nails
- Ingrown toenails painful nails that curve into the skin, often requiring minor procedures
- Corns and calluses thickened skin that can cause discomfort when walking
- Plantar warts viral growths on the soles of the feet
- Athlete’s foot and fungal infections, itchy, burning skin between the toes or on the soles
These conditions may seem small, but when left untreated, they can become painful or even lead to infections.
2. Foot Pain and Structural Problems
Podiatrists are often the first line of defense for people with ongoing foot pain. They diagnose and treat:
- Bunions bony bumps at the base of the big toe
- Hammertoes bent or curled toes caused by muscle imbalance
- Plantar fasciitis sharp heel pain, especially first thing in the morning
- Flat feet or high arches conditions that affect gait and cause strain on joints
- Metatarsalgia pain in the ball of the foot, often linked to sports or footwear
3. Injuries and Trauma
Because our feet carry the weight of the entire body, they’re highly vulnerable to injuries. Podiatrists commonly treat:
- Sprains and strains of the ankle
- Fractures of the foot or toes
- Achilles tendonitis or ruptures
- Overuse injuries common in athletes, such as stress fractures
4. Chronic Health Conditions
Feet often reveal systemic health problems. Podiatrists are experts in detecting and managing these:
- Arthritis in the feet or ankles
- Gout, a painful inflammatory condition in the big toe joint
- Neuropathy, often caused by diabetes, leading to numbness and burning sensations
- Poor circulation, which can complicate healing and increase infection risk
5. Diabetic Foot Care
One of the most important answers to what a podiatrist can treat is diabetes-related complications. Because diabetes reduces circulation and sensation in the feet, even small cuts can turn into serious ulcers.
Podiatrists perform:
- Regular foot exams to check for wounds or infections
- Wound care for ulcers or slow-healing injuries
- Preventive care to reduce the risk of amputation
For diabetic patients, podiatric care is not optional, it’s essential.
Real-Life Examples: What Can a Podiatrist Treat?
Here’s what podiatric treatment often looks like for homebound or elderly patients:
- Case 1: The Homebound Senior: A patient with arthritis and limited mobility struggles to bend down and trim their toenails safely. Over time, thickened nails cause discomfort in shoes and risk of infection. A visiting podiatrist provides gentle nail care and monitors circulation, improving comfort and reducing health risks.
- Case 2: The Diabetic Patient: A person living with diabetes notices swelling and redness on their feet but can’t easily travel to a clinic. A podiatrist visits their home, examines the area, and treats a developing ulcer before it worsens, helping to prevent hospitalization or amputation.
- Case 3: The Resident in Assisted Living: A long-term care resident reports foot pain when walking. The podiatrist identifies a bunion and provides custom orthotic recommendations and pressure relief, allowing the patient to walk comfortably again.
These examples show how in-home podiatry makes a real difference, bringing expert care directly to those who need it most.
Why See a Podiatrist Instead of Another Doctor?
You might wonder: why not just see a primary care doctor or orthopedist? The difference is focus.
- Primary care doctors handle general health but may not have specialized tools or training for foot care.
- Orthopedic surgeons treat bones and joints across the entire body, not just feet and ankles.
- Podiatrists dedicate their entire practice to lower limb health; they have the depth of experience to diagnose and treat problems others may overlook.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Make an appointment if you notice:
- Persistent foot or ankle pain
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet
- Discolored or thickened toenails
- Redness, swelling, or sores that don’t heal
- Difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably
- Changes in sensation, temperature, or color if you have diabetes — even minor wounds or blisters should be checked immediately to prevent serious complications
Even small issues can become serious without early intervention—especially for those living with diabetes or circulation problems.
Final Thoughts
So, what type of doctor is a podiatrist? They’re highly trained physicians specializing in foot and ankle health.
What does a podiatrist treat? From fungal toenails and warts to fractures and diabetic ulcers, their scope is wide and essential.
And finally, what can a podiatrist treat? Just about anything that affects your feet, ankles, or lower legs, making them the first and best stop for foot care.
In-Home Podiatry Care with Allevio Care Anywhere
At Allevio Care Anywhere, we believe expert podiatric care should come to you. Whether you need routine nail trimming, relief from bunion pain, or management of diabetic foot complications, our podiatrists provide safe, professional care in the comfort of your home.
Serving Houston, Utah, Southern Idaho, and Nebraska. Schedule your in-home podiatry appointment today
