Podiatrists are medical specialists dedicated exclusively to diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle, providing comprehensive care that ranges from conservative management to complex surgical procedures. They undergo rigorous training, including medical school and residency, which uniquely qualifies them to address issues like infections, injuries, and chronic problems. Consulting a podiatrist ensures expert evaluation, precise diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, as they can prescribe medications, order advanced tests like MRIs and CTs, and perform specialized surgeries when necessary. This focused expertise is crucial for effective treatment of foot and ankle conditions, especially for complex cases such as diabetic foot ulcers or fractures.
Here are 6 reasons why you should see a podiatrist for your urgent foot and ankle problem:
6. A podiatrist can prescribe antibiotics and perform surgery. When a person has a wound on their foot, it is important to see the podiatrist. The problem is in most areas of the foot and ankle, unlike the abdomen or the arm, the skin is very close to the bone. For diabetics or people with poor circulation especially, it is very easy to get an infection that goes into the bone. A podiatrist is trained to treat wounds, and delegate to a wound care center if needed. Podiatrists have an understanding of biomechanics to determine proper weightbearing status. Additionally, they can also treat infections with antibiotics or urgent or emergent surgery if needed.
5. A podiatrist is a physician. For shoe or inserts it is important to consult someone with a medical degree. Orthotic therapy, like eyeglasses or braces, is complicated science. Only a podiatrist has the depth of training to prescribe the proper treatment and device for your foot condition.
4. A podiatrist can administer medication and order tests. For patients with an injury it is important to see a podiatrist to establish a definitive diagnosis of which structure is injured and how badly. Improper movement or exercise when immobilization is needed can make the condition worse. A podiatrist understands the anatomy and what is needed to heal the structure. They can order tests such as MRI’s, CT’s to establish a diagnosis, give medications as needed for pain, immobilize the structure or perform surgery if needed. They may also direct a physical therapist if this treatment is needed.
3. A podiatrist is a specialist. A foot or ankle problem is best treated by an expert in the field, a podiatrist. They have the most education and training specific to the foot and ankle and undergo the most rigorous, comprehensive certification process of any specialist. They are collaborative members of multidisciplinary patient care teams and innovators in treatment protocols and surgical procedures. It is important to ask to see a podiatrist sooner rather than later, especially if the condition persists.
2. A podiatrist exclusively treats feet. A podiatry referral is indicated to evaluate for treatment of all foot and ankle conditions, including fractures or surgery on the foot or ankle. Other types of specialists may perform surgery throughout the body on muscles, bones and joints–shoulders, hips, knees, etc.. Only a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon is specialized to exclusively perform foot or ankle surgery–on the muscles, bones and joints, but also on skin structures, nerves, etc. They may also perform non-surgical treatment if that is better indicated.
1. A podiatrist is your choice for foot and ankle medical and surgical care. People know best what they do the most of. An artist knows about art; a gymnast knows about gymnastics; an appliance salesperson knows about appliances. Podiatrists attend medical school and residency to be physicians and surgeons of the foot and ankle. Their practices are dedicated to this important part of the body, to treat it in the best and most integrative way possible based on medical science.
There are plenty of places to pinch your pennies, but health care isn’t one of them. Pain or other problems in your feet and ankles can have serious implications for your overall health, particularly if you have diabetes, vascular disease, or other chronic conditions. Seek care from a specialist. Podiatrists are fully licensed physicians and surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. Their education, clinical training, and board certification closely parallel those of their allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) colleagues. Podiatrists are not allied health professionals (AHPs) with doctorates. AHPs are typically defined as non-physician providers who support care teams through diagnostic, technical, or therapeutic services. A podiatrist can often diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition most efficiently, as well, saving you time and money in the long run.
“Had a really go experience, from my first call to the office (very helpful) to my visit with the Doctor. I felt valued, listened to, but more important, I felt like my broken foot was assessed and treated well. He explained a lot to me (funny ’cause from what I heard in the ER weeks earlier I thought it was broke in an entirely different place, and based on the pain, I thought that was odd, now it makes sense!). He gave me a much more usable boot (the other was a nightmare) and a good indication of what I can expect going forward. Would totally recommend!” -Bonnie B.
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