What Do Podiatrists Do?

Dr. Eberly
February 6, 2026

Your feet will carry you about 75,000 miles by age 50.
A podiatrist is important for maintaining your foot health throughout life.

What Is A Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a specialized doctor with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree who focuses on foot, ankle, and lower leg health. These specialists have “DPM” after their names instead of MD, which shows their specific training in podiatric medicine.

The path to becoming a podiatrist requires eight years of education. Four years of undergraduate studies and four years at a podiatric medical school. Students then complete three years of hospital-based surgical residency. This training lets them provide medical and surgical care for foot and ankle conditions.

Podiatrists stand out because of their focused skills. They diagnose and treat foot problems like corns, bunions, ingrown toenails, infections, and structural issues. They can prescribe medications, request lab tests and imaging, perform surgery, and recommend medical devices like orthotics.

A podiatrist’s typical day includes patient consultations, condition diagnosis, treatment delivery, corrective device design, and surgical procedures. Their talent helps them spot early signs of serious health conditions through foot examinations.

Podiatrists run independent practices while working together with other healthcare professionals as part of a treatment team.

At Victoria Foot & Ankle Center, our doctors help patients understand and treat their foot conditions to bring back pain-free movement and improve their quality of life.

Conditions Podiatrists Treat

Podiatrists help patients with many foot and ankle conditions that can affect anyone at any age. They are professionals at treating sports injuries like ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis. These problems usually happen because of overuse, wrong shoes, or sudden impacts.

Your feet are likely to develop arthritis because each foot has 33 joints. Podiatrists treat many different types of arthritis including osteoarthritis from normal wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis which is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, and gout that happens when uric acid builds up in joints. Dr. Eberly at Victoria Foot & Ankle Center specializes in treating these conditions and many others! Diabetic foot care needs special attention from podiatrists. Diabetes can damage nerves (neuropathy) and reduce blood flow to feet. So even small cuts or blisters can turn into serious ulcers without treatment. About 15% of diabetic patients get foot ulcers, which makes regular visits to a podiatrist crucial for prevention.

Victoria Foot & Ankle Center helps patients overcome these conditions through accurate diagnosis and quick treatment.

When To See A Podiatrist

Your feet deserve attention before small problems turn into serious ones. You should see a podiatrist when foot or ankle pain persists beyond a few days of rest.

Watch for physical changes in your feet. Any unusual discoloration, redness, swelling, or new growths need medical attention fast. Your feet might also feel numb, tingle, or burn. These symptoms could signal nerve damage or poor circulation that requires evaluation. Some people need extra foot care attention. Diabetic patients need regular podiatric check-ups to avoid complications. Athletes and people who do high-impact activities should ask about both treatment and prevention strategies.

Looking For A Podiatrist?

Dr. Eberly at Victoria Foot & Ankle Center diagnoses and treats many foot and ankle conditions. Our team provides detailed care for sports injuries, arthritis, diabetic foot problems and structural issues based on each patient’s needs. Healthy feet contribute a lot to your wellbeing and independence. When foot discomfort doesn’t improve with rest, call it a sign to get professional help. Reach out to Victoria Foot & Ankle Center at 361-576-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment.

Podiatrist FAQs

What are the most common foot problems treated by podiatrists?

Podiatrists treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries like ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bunions, ingrown toenails, and diabetic foot issues. They also address structural problems, infections, and chronic pain conditions affecting the feet and lower extremities.

When should I consider seeing a podiatrist?

You should consult a podiatrist if you experience persistent foot or ankle pain, notice physical changes like swelling or discoloration, have difficulty walking, or suffer from recurring issues such as ingrown toenails or fungal infections. People with diabetes or those involved in high-impact activities should also consider regular podiatric check-ups.

What qualifications do podiatrists have?

Podiatrists hold a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, which requires four years of undergraduate studies, four years at a podiatric medical school, and three years of hospital-based surgical residency. This extensive training equips them to provide both medical and surgical care for foot and ankle conditions.

Can podiatrists perform surgery?

Yes, podiatrists are trained to perform surgical procedures on the feet and ankles. They can carry out various surgeries, from minor procedures like removing ingrown toenails to more complex operations such as correcting structural deformities or repairing sports injuries.

How do podiatrists help patients with diabetes?

Podiatrists play a crucial role in diabetic foot care. They help prevent and treat complications arising from diabetes-related nerve damage and poor circulation. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can help detect early signs of ulcers, infections, or other issues that, if left untreated, could lead to serious complications in diabetic patients.