The Foot Doctor: Everything You Need to Know About Podiatrists


What is a "Foot Doctor"? The Role of a Podiatrist

If you've ever had a problem with your feet, ankles, or lower legs, you might have wondered what kind of doctor you should see. The professional title for a "foot doctor" is a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a specialized medical doctor who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the feet and lower limbs.

You can think of a podiatrist as a specialist for everything below the knee. They treat a wide range of issues, from common problems like ingrown toenails and corns to more complex conditions like foot deformities, sports injuries, and diabetic foot care.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists have a broad scope of practice. They can perform everything from routine foot care to advanced surgical procedures. Here are some of the most common issues they treat:

  • Common Foot Conditions: This includes things like bunions, hammertoes, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), warts, calluses, and corns. They can provide treatments like orthotics (custom shoe inserts), physical therapy, and minor surgical procedures to correct these issues.

  • Diabetic Foot Care: Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, leading to serious complications. Podiatrists play a crucial role in preventing these issues by providing regular check-ups, wound care, and patient education.

  • Sports Injuries: A podiatrist can help with sprains, fractures, and other injuries that are common in athletes. They provide treatments that help athletes get back on their feet as quickly and safely as possible.

  • Pediatric Care: Podiatrists also treat children's foot problems, such as flat feet, toe-walking, and other developmental issues.

  • Surgery: When non-surgical treatments aren't enough, a podiatrist can perform surgery to correct foot deformities, remove tumors, or repair injuries.

Podiatrist vs. Orthopedic Doctor: What's the Difference?

This is a common question. While both types of doctors deal with bones and joints, their specialties differ:

  • Podiatrist (DPM): A podiatrist has a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. Their training and expertise are almost exclusively focused on the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They are the go-to specialists for most foot-related problems.

  • Orthopedic Doctor (MD/DO): An orthopedic doctor is a medical doctor who specializes in the entire musculoskeletal system, from the neck down to the toes. While some orthopedic doctors specialize in foot and ankle care, their broader training covers all bones and joints.

For most common foot and ankle issues, a podiatrist is the primary specialist you should see. If a condition is particularly complex or involves other parts of the body, a podiatrist may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

The Path to Becoming a Podiatrist

Becoming a podiatrist requires extensive education and training. It typically involves:

  1. A bachelor's degree.

  2. Four years of podiatric medical school.

  3. A three-year hospital residency program where they gain hands-on experience in medicine and surgery.

How Much Does a Podiatrist Earn?

The salary of a podiatrist can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and whether they are in private practice or working for a hospital. On average, a podiatrist in the U.S. earns approximately $154,600 per year. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $81,000, while the highest 10% can earn over $208,000 annually.

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