Simply put, a Podiatrist is a physician who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists are often referred to as foot and ankle experts, and they help patients return to their daily lives without pain.
Podiatrists are highly trained in many facets of care including both conservative and surgical treatments for arthritis, trauma, sports medicine injuries, diabetic foot complications, and wound care—along with many other foot and ankle ailments. They can provide comprehensive care to all pathologies of the foot and ankle.
The road to becoming a Podiatrist is similar to that of other physicians, involving schooling followed by years of hands-on surgical and clinical training.
How to Become a Podiatrist
Podiatrists attend a Podiatric Medical School, which is a 4-year medical degree program completed after four years of undergraduate study. Upon completion, graduates are awarded the Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M) degree.
During podiatry school, students learn principles similar to traditional medical students—full- body human anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and other medical science disciplines. They also take additional courses specific to the foot and ankle including biomechanics and foot and ankle surgery.
Following graduation, podiatrists must complete a 3-year surgical residency, where they learn to treat all pathologies related to the lower extremity in both the clinic and operating room (OR) settings. Residency gives exposure to many pathologies and prepares the physician to treat a wide variety of cases- anything from ingrown toenails all the way to complex ankle fractures!
After residency, podiatrists can obtain state licensure to begin practice. Some choose to pursue fellowship training to further specialize in foot and ankle trauma, sports medicine, reconstructive surgery, or minimally invasive techniques.
Can Podiatrists Perform Surgery?
Yes! Podiatrists are trained and licensed to perform surgery on the foot and ankle. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding scope of practice, but these are best discussed with your provider.
Many podiatrists pursue board certification through organizations such as the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) or the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM).
Board certifications help demonstrate competent training and allows podiatrist to obtain privileges at hospitals and other surgical facilities.
Common surgical procedures performed by podiatrists include:
- Bunion correction (bunionectomy)
- Hammertoe repair
- Fracture fixation and reconstruction
- Joint fusion (arthrodesis) and joint replacement (arthroplasty)
- Tendon repair and soft tissue reconstruction
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
It’s best to seek a podiatrist if you experience any type of foot pain, ankle pain, or lower leg discomfort—especially if it limits your activity or impedes on your daily life.
Common reasons to visit a podiatrist include:
- Persistent heel or arch pain
- Sports injuries or ankle sprains
- Bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet
- Diabetic foot care and wound management
- Numbness, tingling, or neuropathy in the feet
If you were to internet search “foot doctor” or “foot/ankle specialists near me” you’ve likely stumbled upon some podiatrist’s pages.
Schedule a Podiatry Consultation in Fort Mill, SC
At SpecOrtho, our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Dhavel D. Chauhan, provides expert podiatric care to help patients regain comfort, mobility, and confidence in their daily lives. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, a sports injury, or a complex condition, Dr. Chauhan offers both conservative and surgical solutions tailored to your needs. Contact SpecOrtho today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chauhan and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free movement.