What a podiatrist does and when to see one

A podiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the feet and ankles. They complete four years of podiatric medical school after undergraduate education, then often complete a residency in surgical or non-surgical foot care. Podiatrists can order X-rays and imaging, prescribe medications, perform surgery, and fit custom orthotics — the same range of care you would get from other medical specialists.

You might see a podiatrist for a bunion that makes walking painful, a sprained ankle that is not healing, recurring ingrown toenails, heel pain that has lasted weeks, diabetic foot complications, or fungal infections that over-the-counter treatments have not cleared. Some people visit once for a specific problem; others see a podiatrist regularly if they have arthritis, diabetes, or a history of foot injuries.

Your primary care doctor can refer you to a podiatrist, or you can schedule directly — most podiatrists do not require a referral, though your insurance may have different rules. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or a private plan, check your coverage before your first visit, because some plans cover podiatry only for certain conditions like diabetes.

Key Takeaways

  • Podiatrists are licensed medical doctors with specialized training in foot and ankle conditions, and they can prescribe medication, order imaging, and perform surgery.
  • Your first visit will include a medical history, a physical exam of your feet and ankles, and possibly X-rays or other imaging to identify the problem.
  • Insurance coverage for podiatry varies by plan and condition, so contact your insurer before your appointment to understand what you will owe.
  • Treatment ranges from non-surgical options like custom shoe inserts and physical therapy to surgical procedures for bunions, hammertoes, and other structural problems.
  • Podiatrists often work with other doctors on your care team, especially if you have diabetes, arthritis, or a condition affecting multiple joints.

What happens during your first appointment

When you arrive, you will fill out a health history form asking about past foot or ankle injuries, current medications, family history of foot problems, and what brought you in today. The podiatrist will ask follow-up questions: When did the pain start? What makes it better or worse? Have you tried any treatments? Do you have diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions affecting your feet?

The physical exam comes next. The podiatrist will look at both feet and ankles, even if only one side hurts, because problems on one side often affect how you walk and put stress on the other side. They will check your range of motion, test your balance and gait, feel for swelling or deformity, and press on specific areas to locate pain. If you have a bunion, they will measure how far it sticks out. If you have heel pain, they will check where exactly it hurts and whether your calf muscles are tight.

X-rays or ultrasound often happen during the first visit if the podiatrist suspects a fracture, arthritis, or structural problem. These images take a few minutes and happen in the office. The podiatrist will review the images with you and explain what they show.

Non-surgical treatment options

Many foot and ankle problems improve without surgery. Custom orthotics — shoe inserts molded to your foot — correct how your foot strikes the ground and reduce stress on painful areas. The podiatrist may take a mold or scan of your foot in the office, then send it to a lab where the orthotic is made. You pick it up a week or two later and wear it in your regular shoes.

Physical therapy and stretching exercises are common for heel pain, ankle sprains, and arthritis. The podiatrist may show you exercises to do at home or refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in foot and ankle problems. Icing, elevation, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication also play a role while your body heals.

For fungal toenails, podiatrists may prescribe topical or oral antifungal medication, or use a laser to treat the nail bed. For ingrown toenails, they can trim the nail and explore medication to prevent it from growing back into the skin. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation in conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis.

When surgery becomes the next step

Surgery is an option when non-surgical treatment has not worked after several weeks or months, or when the problem is structural and unlikely to improve without it. Common foot surgeries include bunion removal, hammertoe correction, and ankle ligament repair after a severe sprain. Heel spur removal and plantar fascia release are options for chronic heel pain.

Before recommending surgery, the podiatrist will explain what the procedure involves, how long recovery takes, and what you can and cannot do during healing. Most foot surgeries are outpatient — you go home the same day — though you will need someone to drive you. Recovery from bunion surgery, for example, typically takes six to twelve weeks before you can walk normally and return to regular shoes.

The podiatrist will give you detailed post-surgery instructions: how to care for the incision, when to change the bandage, what pain medication to take, and when to return for follow-up visits. They will also tell you what activities to avoid and when you can gradually return to walking, exercise, and work.

Insurance, costs, and what to bring

Podiatry visits are covered by most insurance plans, but the amount you pay depends on your specific plan. Some plans cover the full cost of the visit; others require a copay of $20 to $50. If the podiatrist orders imaging or performs a procedure, you may owe additional costs. Custom orthotics are sometimes covered and sometimes not — coverage varies widely.

Call your insurance company before your first visit and ask: Does my plan cover podiatry? Is there a copay? Do I need a referral? Are custom orthotics covered? Are imaging and procedures covered? Having these answers before you arrive prevents surprises at the front desk.

Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of current medications. Wear socks and shoes that are straightforward to remove so the podiatrist can examine your feet without delay. If you have had previous X-rays or imaging of your feet or ankles, bring those records or ask your previous doctor to send them.

How podiatrists coordinate with your other doctors

If you have diabetes, your podiatrist will likely communicate with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist about your foot health. Diabetes increases the risk of foot ulcers and infections, so regular podiatric care is part of managing the condition. The podiatrist may recommend more frequent visits — sometimes every three months — to catch problems early.

If you have arthritis affecting your feet or ankles, the podiatrist may work with your rheumatologist to manage pain and preserve your ability to walk. If you have had a serious ankle injury, the podiatrist may coordinate with an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist. This teamwork ensures that your foot and ankle care fits into your overall health plan.

What to expect between visits

After your first appointment, the podiatrist will schedule a follow-up visit to check how you are responding to treatment. If you received custom orthotics, the follow-up might be in two weeks to make sure they fit properly and are comfortable. If you started physical therapy exercises, the podiatrist may want to see you in four to six weeks to assess your progress.

Between visits, contact the office if you develop new pain, swelling, or redness, especially if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. These signs can indicate infection or a complication that needs prompt attention. Most podiatry offices have a nurse line or answering service that can advise you on whether you need to come in sooner.

If you are having surgery, the podiatrist will schedule post-operative visits at regular intervals — often at one week, four weeks, and eight weeks after the procedure — to monitor healing and remove stitches if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a podiatrist?

Most podiatrists accept patients without a referral, but some insurance plans require one. Check with your insurance company before scheduling. If your plan does require a referral, call your primary care doctor's office and ask them to send one to the podiatrist you want to see.

How much does a podiatry visit cost without insurance?

The cost varies by location and the complexity of your problem. A basic office visit typically ranges from $100 to $250. If imaging, special procedures, or custom orthotics are needed, costs are higher. Call the podiatry office and ask for their fee schedule before your appointment.

Can a podiatrist treat a broken ankle?

Yes. Podiatrists can diagnose fractures with X-rays, set and cast broken bones, and manage healing. For complex fractures or those requiring surgery, they may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. Ask the podiatrist whether your specific fracture can be treated in their office or whether a referral is needed.

How often should I see a podiatrist if I have diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes have their feet checked by a podiatrist or other foot care specialist at least once a year, and more often if you have a history of foot problems or nerve damage. Your podiatrist will recommend the schedule that fits your individual risk.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot doctor?

These terms mean the same thing. A podiatrist is a medical doctor (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM) who specializes in foot and ankle care. Some people use "foot doctor" informally to refer to any provider who treats feet, but a licensed podiatrist has completed medical school and specialized training.