If you’re suffering from pain in any of your feet, ankles, or areas of your lower legs, you’ll want to visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Podiatrists study, diagnose, and treat conditions and injuries affecting the above-mentioned areas. Your primary physician may refer you to a podiatrist if they suspect problems in your feet, ankles, and lower extremities.

Podiatrists finish 4 years of podiatry school and a 3-year hospital residency. After residency, podiatrists are certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists can pursue specialized fellowship training and advanced certifications granted by various institutions. Podiatric surgeons, for example, are podiatrists who specialize in foot surgery. They are certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Like all doctors, podiatrists must be licensed to practice in the state they work in.

Podiatrists treat people of all ages, and most podiatrists treat a variety of general foot and ankle conditions. These include heel pain, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, bunions, arthritis, plantar warts, hammertoes, flat feet, neuromas, arthritis, and diabetic foot. Many podiatrists specialize in specific foot concerns or areas of foot medicine. These include bunion removal or correction, wound care, orthotics, sports medicine, fractures, and pediatrics.

Podiatrists are true foot and ankle specialists. If you have concerns about your feet, ankles, or lower extremities, consult with a local podiatrist.