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What is a podiatrist? What do they do?

A podiatric doctor also referred to as a podiatrist or a foot & ankle physician-surgeon, is trained and educated to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and leg structures. A podiatrist's expertise in treating foot and ankle issues sets them apart from generalist medical professionals.

You might associate a podiatrist with being just a foot doctor. However, today's podiatrists are much more. Podiatrists can treat various foot and ankle conditions, such as sports injuries, diabetic complications, pediatric deformities, and heel pain. They are the most qualified among medical professionals for these tasks. 

Podiatrists receive education and training similar to that of other medical doctors, requiring four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate studies at one of the nine podiatric medical colleges in the United States, and post-graduate residency training lasting two to three years. Upon completion, they receive a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. To earn and maintain their license, they must be certified by the Georgia Board of Podiatry and must complete continuing medical education (CME) courses.

Podiatrists in Georgia work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. They are essential in diagnosing and treating different foot and ankle conditions, including diabetes-related foot problems, arthritis, fractures, and sprains.

What are the different conditions that a podiatrist treats?

Podiatrists can treat patients of any age group and many foot-related conditions, that include:

1. Fractures and sprains: Podiatrists frequently address foot and ankle injuries, including emergencies. Additionally, they are involved in sports medicine, managing foot issues that athletes experience, and providing preventive measures.
2. Bunions and hammertoes: These are issues related to the bones in your feet. A bunion occurs when the joint at the bottom base of the big toe enlarges or misaligns, causing the toe to bend towards the others. Hammertoe is a condition where the toe cannot bend properly.
3. Nail disorders: These involve infections in the nails caused by fungi or ingrown toenails, which is the growth of a toenail into the toe rather than extending outward.
4. Diabetes: Diabetes can harm the nerves in the feet and legs and reduce blood flow. This disease can result in severe complications, including the amputation of over 65,000 feet per year due to diabetes. A podiatrist can assist in avoiding such consequences. If you have diabetes, it is imperative to have any foot sores or calluses checked by a professional.
5. Arthritis: Arthritis arises from swelling, inflammation, and damage to joints. A podiatrist may suggest physical therapy, medications, specialized shoes, or inserts to manage arthritis. If other treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary.
6. Growing pains: If your child's feet have an inward-pointing posture, appear flat, or have misaligned toes, a podiatrist may be able to assist. Treatment options may include exercises, insoles, braces, or in some cases, surgery.
7. Heel pain: Heel pain is commonly caused by heel spurs, a calcium buildup at the heel bone's base. They can result from running, improper shoe fit, or excessive weight. Plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the band of connective tissue under the foot, is often caused by sports and inadequate shoes. Overpronation, where the foot bends excessively in or out while walking, can affect athletes and cause discomfort. Achilles tendinitis, causing pain at the back of the heel where the tendon attaches, is also a frequent issue among athletes. Treatment options may begin with over-the-counter pain medications and include orthotic shoe inserts. In some cases, surgery may be required.
8. Morton's neuroma: Nerve issues in the foot between the third and fourth bones can result in discomfort, burning sensations, and the illusion of a foreign object in the shoe. This condition frequently affects runners and can be exacerbated by wearing tight shoes and overpronation. A podiatrist can provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving injections and assist in finding an orthotic solution. In some situations, surgery may be needed to remove the problem.

When should you see a podiatrist?

Podiatrists should be your first choice of professional regarding issues related to the foot and ankle. They use physical checkups, X-rays, and other tests to diagnose and treat various conditions, such as fungal infections, bunions, and sprains. Hence, you should make an appointment with the best podiatrist near you for the following cases:

• Diabetes: It often leads to numbness or tingling in the feet. It can also lead to infections if you have a wound or ulcers developing on the skin. Therefore, you should get your feet checked by a podiatrist at least once a year for early treatment. They may prescribe non-invasive treatments or surgery in rare cases, depending on the condition.

• Foot injuries: Accidents can happen at any point in life, during sports or physical activities, driving, or blunt trauma from a heavy object falling on your foot. You may feel fine initially, but that’s just adrenaline taking over for a while. You should visit the best podiatrist near you as soon as possible to gauge the extent of damage. They can provide specialized treatment plans depending on your condition.

• Foot and heel pain: There are various causes of foot and heel pain, such as ill-fitting shoes or bony growth on the heel. It is common for people to engage in regular exercise and sports activities. Podiatrists can ascertain the underlying cause of foot pain and provide the necessary treatment.

• Calluses, corns, or bunions: Corns and calluses occur from skin buildup over time. It can cause pain that may persist if left untreated. Bunions are bumps at the base of the toe that cause discomfort and pain and cause the bones or joints to shift. You should make an appointment with the best podiatrist near you as they can provide different treatments, including surgeries in extreme cases.

• Infections: Athlete’s foot is the most common condition active people face. It causes itching and scaly skin but is treatable with over-the-counter ointments and antifungal medications. Podiatrists can also prescribe medications and treatments after assessing your condition.

How to find the best podiatrist near you in Marietta, Georgia

For those seeking a podiatrist in Marietta, Georgia, Zocdoc offers a convenient solution. On the Zocdoc platform, you can refine your search results based on specific criteria such as specialty, condition, and more. With all the necessary filters available, finding the right doctor and booking an appointment is easy. Select your preferred time slot, provide your zip code and insurance information, and enter your requirements in the search box. Zocdoc then presents a comprehensive list of podiatrists and lets you compare multiple specialists before making a final decision.

You can choose either an online consultation or an in-person visit. On Zocdoc, you can also access specialist profiles with information about their qualifications, experience, areas of expertise, and certifications. To help you make an informed choice, Zocdoc also features authentic patient reviews. With its user-friendly interface and secure platform, Zocdoc is a convenient and cost-free way to find the perfect podiatrist in Marietta, Georgia.

Statistics on podiatrists in Marietta, Georgia

In Georgia, the demand for podiatrists has been increasing in recent years. According to the Georgia Board of Podiatry, there were approximately 710 licensed podiatrists in the state as of 2021. This figure represents a significant increase from previous years, indicating the state's growing need for foot and ankle specialists. 

In terms of their demographic, most podiatrists in Georgia are male, with women making up a smaller portion of the profession. The average age of a podiatrist in Georgia is around 50 years old, and many have been practicing for over 20 years.

Sources

Foot Healers

WebMD

Georgia Board of Podiatry

American Podiatric Medical Association

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Premier Medical Group

Healthline

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.