Podiatry: What Is This Speciality of Medicine?

Podiatry is a branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists are the experts in keeping feet and ankles healthy.

A referral to a podiatrist might be necessary if you are experiencing persistent foot or ankle problems. Podiatrists can manage common issues such as plantar fasciitis and bunions, as well as more severe conditions such as fractures and tendon problems.

Field of Podiatry: Conditions and Injuries Treated

Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM). They have extensive training, specifically in the care of feet and ankles. Podiatrists can treat various issues by prescribing shoe inserts called orthotics, physical therapy, or medications. They also perform surgical procedures.

A condition commonly treated by podiatrists is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed, resulting in pain.

Other common issues include bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet, which can result in discomfort and difficulty walking.

Podiatrists can treat acute problems such as bone fractures, ligament tears, and tendon injuries in the feet and ankles. They also manage chronic conditions that affect foot health, such as foot problems seen in diabetes.

When to Ask for a Podiatrist Referral

If you have persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort in your feet or ankles that doesn’t improve with rest, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, or other interventions, it may be time for referral to a podiatrist.

Problems like heel pain, arch problems, or ingrown toenails can worsen if not addressed, so seeking a podiatrist early can help prevent more serious complications.

Foot injuries from sports or accidents can also benefit from evaluation and treatment from a podiatrist. Podiatric care can help prevent foot and ankle problems for athletes. 

For those with chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, referral to a podiatrist can be an important part of their overall health plan. If symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or sores that won’t heal become a problem, it’s important to see a podiatrist promptly.

People of any age may benefit from seeing a podiatrist. Infants and children with structural changes in their feet or who have gait imbalances (imbalances in the way in which a person walks) can benefit from the care of a podiatrist. Older adults may need a referral if they experience balance or foot structure changes that affect mobility.

A primary care provider can recommend when to see a podiatrist, but recognizing the signs and advocating for yourself may lead to a quicker referral.

Services and Exams Performed in Appointments 

A visit to a podiatrist may begin with a review of your medical history, with a focus on any previous foot or ankle injuries, symptoms, or surgeries. This will also help determine if there are any other health conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease.

The podiatrist will then conduct a physical exam, assessing for any changes to the structure of the foot or ankle, toenail health, and areas of pain. This exam might involve feeling for tenderness, testing the range of motion in your joints, and examining your gait as you walk.

In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be needed. X-rays are frequently used to assess for fractures, bone deformities, or joint issues. Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be recommended to evaluate ligaments and tendons.

Based on the findings, the podiatrist will determine a treatment plan, which could include custom orthotics, physical therapy, or medications. For more severe cases, surgical options may be discussed.

Podiatrists also provide routine services to maintain foot health. They can trim toenails to prevent ingrown nails (the corner or edge of the toenail grows into nearby flesh), remove calluses (thickened areas of skin), and manage fungal infections. People with diabetes may receive specialized care to prevent ulcers or nerve damage, with regular foot exams to catch problems early. 

Surgical Intervention and Planning 

Surgical intervention may be needed when nonsurgical treatments are not enough to improve the condition.

Surgeries performed by podiatrists include arthroscopy, bunion removal, correction of hammertoe (an abnormal bend to the middle joint) and other bone conditions, and repair of torn tendons or ligaments. In cases of severe arthritis, joint replacement or fusion surgeries may be done.

Before surgery, the podiatrist will fully evaluate the area to determine what procedure is needed. This usually involves imaging to get a complete picture of the area.

The podiatrist will also review the person's overall health and potential risk factors that could affect surgery or recovery. Once a surgical plan is developed, the podiatrist will explain the procedure, including what to expect during recovery and any care needed postoperatively.

Podiatrist DPM Training: Number of Years

The education and training to become a podiatrist (DPM) take 11 to 13 years, including undergraduate studies to obtain a bachelor's degree, four years of podiatric medical school, three to four years of podiatric medicine and surgical residency, and an optional one-year fellowship.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, they must complete a four-year program at a podiatric medical school. This is similar to traditional medical school but is focused on the lower extremities. During these four years, students get hands-on experience through clinical rotations. 

Once they graduate from podiatric medical school, podiatrists must complete a podiatric medicine and surgery residency program, which is a minimum of three years. During residency, podiatrists receive additional training in areas such as surgery, sports medicine, wound care, and diabetic foot care. Some residency programs include additional training and credentialing in reconstructive rear-foot/ankle surgery.

Following residency, podiatrists become board-certified by taking written and oral exams to ensure they are prepared and ready to practice podiatry.

Summary

Podiatry plays an important role in maintaining the health of feet and ankles. They provide preventive care, treat acute conditions, manage chronic conditions, and perform surgery. Podiatrists provide specialized care tailored to each person.

With chronic conditions such as diabetes, where foot health is closely tied to overall health, seeking podiatric care for persistent foot or ankle problems can help prevent complications. With extensive training and a focus on preventive care, podiatrists are key in keeping feet healthy throughout life.