### What Podiatrists Do and Why You Might Need One Podiatrists are medical specialists who focus on the feet and lower legs. They help treat injuries and complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. You might hear them called a podiatric physician or doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM). Podiatrists can perform surgeries, reset broken bones, prescribe medications, and order lab tests or X-rays. They often work closely with other specialists when a problem affects your feet or lower legs. In the U.S., podiatrists are licensed and regulated by state governments. ### Education and Training To become a podiatrist, students take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics in college. Most get a bachelor's degree in a science field. Then they attend podiatry school for 4 years, studying how bones, nerves, and muscles work together to help you move. They also learn about illnesses and injuries that can affect your feet and how to treat them, including surgery. After graduating, they complete a 3-year residency in a hospital, working with doctors in other fields. They can also get advanced certifications in foot and ankle surgery. ### When to See a Podiatrist You should see a podiatrist if you have foot-related conditions like bunions, ingrown toenails, heel pain, or foot deformities. For people with diabetes, it's crucial to see a podiatrist regularly. Diabetes can cause poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet, leading to serious complications if not treated. During your first visit, the podiatrist will ask about your medical history, medications, and any surgeries you've had. They will check how you stand and walk, the range of motion in your joints, and how your shoes fit. They might suggest orthotics, padding, or physical therapy to treat your problems. Some conditions can be treated in the office with tools like syringes for pain medication or scalpels to remove corns and calluses.