What Is a Podiatrist?

Depending on an individual podiatrist's education, credentials, scope, and experience, care may include:

• Nonsurgical treatment
• Biomechanics
• Sports medicine
• Diabetic foot care
• Wound care
• Surgery

The amount and type of surgery performed vary according to the individual podiatrist's training, credentials, experience, and practice.

Some foot and ankle symptoms should be evaluated promptly rather than watched. Call our office if you notice:

• An injury with difficulty walking or bearing weight
• A change in the shape or appearance of the foot or ankle after a fall or twist
• Redness, warmth, drainage, or signs of infection
• An open sore or wound on the foot, especially with diabetes or circulation concerns
• New numbness, burning, or other changes in sensation
• Pain that keeps getting worse or does not improve with reasonable initial care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This website and its appointment tools are not monitored for emergency medical needs.

Care generally starts with the least invasive measures that fit your diagnosis and moves further only if it needs to. Which steps apply to you depends on your evaluation — this is a general sequence, not a plan for any individual patient.

1. Evaluation and diagnosis
2. Activity adjustment and home-care guidance
3. Footwear guidance, stretching, or a rehabilitation program
4. Padding, bracing, immobilization, or custom orthotics when indicated
5. In-office procedures when they are appropriate for the diagnosis
6. Other options such as MLS® Laser Therapy or Shockwave Therapy when they fit the problem
7. Surgery in selected cases after an appropriate course of nonsurgical care

Is a podiatrist a physician?

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine whose training includes podiatric medical education and hospital-based residency training.

Do all podiatrists perform surgery?

No. The amount and type of surgery performed vary by the individual podiatrist's training, credentials, experience, and practice.

Does seeing a surgeon mean I will need surgery?

No. Nonsurgical care is commonly considered before surgery, and surgery is not the default recommendation.