Who is a podiatrist?
The term "podiatrist" refers to an expert who treats problems related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists are both physicians and surgeons. They can facilitate proper limb function and lessen discomfort. You can also trust a podiatrist to hasten your recovery following an operation or injury. Podiatrists can prescribe medication, realign broken bones, and suggest lab work or X-rays. They frequently collaborate with other specialists in case of severe foot problems. Furthermore, podiatrists are subject to state-level licensing and regulation in the United States.
What conditions can a podiatrist diagnose and treat?
Podiatrists treat various foot-related issues in patients of all ages. You should see one if you suffer from any of the following:
- Sprains and fractures: Podiatrists regularly treat these common issues. They also practice sports medicine, treat athletes' foot problems, and offer advice on preventing them.
- Hammertoes and bunions refer to problems with the bones in your feet. A bunion develops when the joint at the base of your big toe becomes larger or shifts out of alignment, leading the toe to bend towards the other toes. Similarly, a hammertoe is a toe that does not bend properly.
- Nail disorders include conditions such as a toenail infection caused by a fungus or an ingrown toenail. It occurs when a nail grows into your toe from the corner or side rather than straight out.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can affect blood flow to your feet and damage the nerves, potentially leading to amputation. A podiatrist can help prevent this. If you have diabetes and experience foot soreness or develop calluses, seeing a podiatrist for proper care is important.
- Arthritis: Arthritis can result from joint wear and tear, swelling, and inflammation. A podiatrist may suggest physical therapy, medication, special footwear, or inserts to treat arthritis. If treatments are ineffective, surgeries are alternative options.
- Growing pains: If your child's feet point inward, appear flat, or have misaligned toes, consider seeing a podiatrist. They could suggest stretches, orthotics, or braces.
- Heel pain: For many reasons, you may experience heel pain, such as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, overpronation, etc. Unsupportive shoes, athletics, or being overweight are some general causes here. Over-the-counter pain relievers are frequently the first line of treatment. However, some people may need shoe inserts or surgeries.
- Morton's neuroma occurs when nerve issues between your foot's third and fourth bones cause burning, pain, and a sensation that something is inside your shoe. While runners are mainly prone to this condition, tight shoes and overpronation can worsen it. A podiatrist might prescribe injections to treat pain and inflammation. They can also assist you in finding orthotic devices.
- Clubfoot: Clubfoot is a common congenital deformity that causes your baby's feet to turn inward. It can be of two types: isolated (when your child has clubfoot without any accompanying conditions) and non-isolated (when clubfoot occurs along with other medical concerns, such as arthrogryposis and spina bifida.
- Plantar warts: Plantar warts are rough, benign bumps that develop on the soles of your feet when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters a cut in your skin and infects it. Its symptoms include skin discoloration, pain, discomfort, tenderness, and bleeding. Plantar warts typically form on your heels, on the balls of your feet, and on or between your toes.
- Runner’s knee: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), commonly known as runner's knee, is characterized by pain in front of your knee. The pain usually develops over time and can worsen when you bend your knees, climb the stairs, or increase the intensity of your physical activity.
- Foot tendonitis: Foot tendonitis refers to irritation or inflammation of a tendon in your foot. While it typically happens when you exert repeated pressure on your feet, it can also occur if you over-rotate your ankle, overstretch your tendon, or use improper techniques while playing sports. Symptoms of foot tendonitis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and bone spurs.
- Corns and calluses: Corns and calluses are thick, hard areas of skin. They can form anywhere in your body but commonly develop in your fingers, hands, and feet. While essentially the same tissue, corns are typically small and round, whereas calluses are larger and more irregular patches. Both of them can cause pain, redness, and blisters.
What are the qualifications of a podiatrist?
Aspiring podiatrists complete a bachelor's degree in biology or a related branch of study. Traditional medical school is not part of a podiatrist's curriculum. Instead, students spend four years in a podiatry school. Here, they study everything about muscles, nerves, and bones. Their study also includes research on diagnosing and treating foot problems and surgical foot repair.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, nine podiatry schools exist in the United States. Graduation from one of these schools is necessary to become a licensed podiatrist. After graduating from podiatry school, students complete three years of hospital residency. It includes practicing their newfound knowledge and collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and infectious disease experts. Furthermore, podiatrists must have at least two years of residency to become board-certified.
Podiatrists may choose to pursue fellowship training after completing residency.
Sub-specialties of podiatry include:
- Dermatological podiatry (skin disorders)
- Diagnostic podoradiology (foot and ankle radiology)
- Forensic podiatry (study of foot and shoe prints for crime scene investigations)
- Gerontological podiatrist (geriatric foot conditions)
- Podopediatrics
- Podiatric diabetology
- Podiatric oncology (skin cancers)
- Podiatric orthopedics
- Podiatric rheumatology
- Podiatric sports medicine
- Podiatric vascular specialist (circulation disorders)
- Neuro podiatry (nerve disorders)
- Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery (consultant podiatric surgery)
Orthopedists vs. podiatrists
Although podiatrists and orthopedists treat comparable medical concerns, they are not the same type of specialist. A podiatrist only treats foot, ankle, and lower limb problems. An orthopedist, or an orthopedic surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in musculoskeletal illnesses that affect the entire body.
Orthopedists can diagnose and treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders, such as:
- Fractures
- Bursitis
- Ligament and tendon injuries
- Arthritis
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Chronic muscle pain
- Sports injuries
Many orthopedic surgeons specialize in certain body parts, such as the hand, spine, or hip. Some specialize in certain types of treatment, such as total joint replacement, orthopedic trauma surgery, and sports medicine. While some orthopedic surgeons specialize in foot and ankle surgery, many seek first care from podiatrists.
How is a pedorthist different from a podiatrist?
A certified pedorthist is a specialized healthcare professional trained in comprehensive foot care, footwear modification, and crafting supportive orthotic devices for shoes. Pedorthists assist patients in preventing or alleviating painful or disabling foot and ankle conditions. Sometimes, a podiatrist might refer you to a pedorthist to get shoes, braces, or orthotics that support your feet.
The field of pedorthics encompasses the design, manufacture, modification, and fitting of footwear, shoes, and foot orthotics to address issues arising from disease, overuse, congenital disabilities, or injury. Unlike a podiatrist, a pedorthist does not treat foot and ankle disorders.
What is overpronation?
Overpronation, or flat feet, occurs when the arch of the foot collapses excessively. This can affect walking or running and may raise the risk of injuries. Flat feet are common, especially in children, and often improve on their own by around age five. If they cause pain or problems, several treatments are available to help.
Supportive footwear, such as shoes with sturdy backs and firm midsoles, is essential, particularly during physical activities. Orthotic inserts can give additional support and alleviate pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, weight management through diet and exercise, and specific strengthening exercises like heel stretches and calf raises may also help. For severe cases, the podiatrist may suggest surgery as an option.
Consulting with a podiatrist can determine the best treatment based on individual needs and symptoms.
Why should I see a podiatrist?
Our feet perform one of the essential functions of everyday life. Healthy feet are directly or indirectly related to a person's well-being. They are complicated anatomical components that function as propulsion engines, stabilizers, and shock absorbers, often all four simultaneously. Any discomfort, disorder, or injury can hamper our everyday movements. Hence, the feet need specialized attention.
Visiting a podiatrist is a good idea as they can:
- Treat foot issues like skin and nail conditions, congenital (present at birth) abnormalities, cancers, and ulcers.
- Diagnose problems such as heel spurs, corns, shortened tendons, bone abnormalities, and cysts.
- Create flexible casts to stabilize foot and ankle injuries such as sprains or fractures.
- Discuss preventative foot care with patients.
- If a patient's foot problems indicate several ailments in conjunction with other body systems, refer to other medical professionals.
Consult a podiatrist if you intend to increase your physical activity. They can do a quick check-up to ascertain whether your feet will be able to withstand the added stress or not. A podiatrist may be able to address problems by:
- Cryotherapy (freezing therapy)
- Shots of steroids
- Surgery
How should you prepare for a visit to a podiatrist near you?
Preparing for your podiatrist appointment can help you make the best of your visit. Start by jotting down your symptoms, medications, and any past surgeries. Write down questions about your condition, too. If you have any lab reports or X-rays, carry them along for the appointment. Check with your insurance to see if you need a referral.
Clean and dry feet are best for the appointment, so avoid using nail polish or foot powders. Remember to wear your regular walking shoes if walking is an issue. During the appointment, take notes on foot care tips and preventive treatments. If cost is a concern, don't hesitate to ask about cheaper options like orthotic insoles instead of custom shoes. Before undergoing any tests, review your insurance coverage and discuss it with your doctor to avoid unexpected expenses later.
What should you expect at a podiatrist visit?
When you first visit a podiatrist, the appointment will be like any other doctor's. They will ask about your medical history, the medications you are taking, and any surgeries you have had.
They will examine your standing and walking movements, shoe fit, and joint range of motion. During the first visit, the podiatrist will generally address issues such as ingrown toenails, heel or lower back pain, bunions, and circulation in your feet if you have diabetes or any foot deformities.
The podiatrist may suggest orthotics, padding, or physical therapy to treat you. They can address some conditions in the office. They may use a syringe, nail splitters, or a nail anvil to remove ingrown toenails and administer pain medicine. The podiatrist can use scalpels to cut into the skin around your toe or remove parts of corns and calluses. Several doctors employ cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) equipment to remove plantar warts.
How can you find the best podiatrist near you in Mesa, AZ?
Experiencing discomfort in your ankles, feet, or related leg structures can hinder basic daily activities. Consulting a podiatrist can help you get back on your feet. Make sure to see a qualified healthcare professional with "DPM" after their name. With numerous providers and subspecialties available, finding the right fit for your needs can be time-consuming. However, creating a free Zocdoc account can streamline the process for you.
Zocdoc helps you choose a podiatrist who is most suitable for your condition. You can enter your symptoms, procedures, doctor's specialty, location, insurance carrier, and plan in the search bar. It will display a list of all the podiatrists who fit your criteria. When booking an appointment on Zocdoc, the website prompts you to share details about your insurance or to acknowledge that you are paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers need you to provide insurance information to schedule appointments. If you do not have insurance or do not want to use insurance for your appointment, you can always find another provider on Zocdoc. For more insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc's patient help center.
Additionally, each doctor has a unique profile. Reviewing their profile can provide insights into their educational background, medical specialties, services provided, research interests, languages spoken, and gender. Some doctors also offer weekend appointments for added convenience. You can narrow down your choices of podiatrists in Mesa, AZ, based on your preferences and needs. You can also check user-verified reviews and ratings to pick a trusted podiatrist near you who meets all your requirements.
Booking appointments with podiatrists on Zocdoc is easy, cost-free, and safe!
Statistics related to foot health in Arizona, USA
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arizona had around 190 practicing podiatrists as of May 2023. Furthermore, per a 2023 survey by America's Health Rankings, around 25.6% of the Arizonian adult population claimed to have received a diagnosis of arthritis from a medical expert. The condition's incidence was higher in women (≈29.1%) than in men (≈21.9%). Further, those 65 and above (≈50.7%) were most affected by the condition, as compared to those between 18 and 44 (≈8.1%) and those between 45 and 64 (≈31.2%).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 report, more than 53,000 foot injuries lead to missed work days each year. This means that 4.8 out of every 10,000 full-time workers miss work due to foot injuries. These injuries can happen for many reasons and impact worker productivity, safety, and overall health and well-being.
Diabetes also leads to several foot problems. A 2021 report by the American Diabetes Association stated that approximately 11.6% of Americans, or nearly 38.4 million people, had diabetes. The same report also says that almost 2 million Americans, including roughly 304,000 children and teenagers, had type 1 diabetes.
Furthermore, according to the University of Arizona, about 1 in 3 people with diabetes may develop foot complications that can become chronic, often leading to amputations. A timely consultation with a podiatrist, especially for diabetics, is necessary.
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