When people ask “What does a podiatrist do?”, they’re often surprised by how wide-ranging the answer is. As a sports podiatrist, I work with everyone from young athletes with ankle injuries to older adults managing diabetic foot care. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or someone simply wanting to walk comfortably, a foot doctor can play a key role in keeping you mobile and pain-free.
In this blog, I’ll break down the wide scope of podiatry, from injury prevention to general foot care, so you’ll know when and why to see a podiatrist.
Understanding the Role: What Does a Podiatrist Do?
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional specialising in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower limb. If you’ve ever searched “What does a foot doctor do?”, you’ll find the answer is quite broad.
Podiatrists are trained to treat:
- Sports injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, and plantar fasciitis
- Chronic heel pain
- Gait and biomechanical issues
- Diabetic foot complications
- Skin and nail disorders
- Footwear concerns and orthotic prescriptions
As a sports podiatrist, I see patients of all ages and activity levels – whether they’re recovering from an injury or looking for ways to avoid one.
Sports and Injury Rehabilitation
One of the most common reasons people see a podiatrist is for sports-related injuries. Common cases I treat include:
- Achilles tendon pain
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures and shin splints
For athletes, the right diagnosis and a tailored rehab plan are crucial. This might include gait analysis, footwear advice, custom orthotics, and a strengthening or stretching regimen.
Diabetic Foot Care
For people living with diabetes, regular foot care can prevent serious complications. Diabetic patients are at higher risk for infections, ulcers, and nerve damage (neuropathy).
As a podiatrist, I offer:
- Routine foot health assessments
- Early detection of ulcers or poor circulation
- Education on proper footwear and foot hygiene
- Ongoing nail and skin care
If you’re wondering what a podiatrist does for diabetics, it’s much more than clipping nails, it’s about preserving long-term mobility and health.
Nail and Skin Maintenance
Sometimes, simple issues like corns, calluses, fungal nails, or ingrown toenails can cause major discomfort or lead to infections if left untreated.
General care services include:
- Corn and callus debridement
- Nail trimming and fungal treatment
- Ingrown toenail correction
- Wart treatment and prevention tips
These services aren’t just cosmetic, they prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.
Footwear and Orthotic Advice
Choosing the right footwear is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Podiatrists assess your foot type, gait, and lifestyle needs to recommend the best shoes or design custom orthotics tailored to your activity.
Whether you’re a runner, hiker, or on your feet all day at work, the right support can make a world of difference.
Why You Should See a Podiatrist
So, what does a podiatrist do for someone like you? The answer depends on your needs. If you’re dealing with pain, recovering from an injury, or simply trying to stay active and healthy, a podiatrist is your go-to foot doctor.
You should consider seeing a podiatrist if you experience:
- Persistent foot or ankle pain
- Trouble walking or running comfortably
- Signs of infection, ulcers, or poor circulation
- Diabetic foot complications
- Chronic heel or arch pain
From elite athletes to everyday walkers, podiatrists provide essential care that helps people stay active, pain-free, and independent.
Whether you’re curious about what a podiatrist does or you’ve been wondering what a foot doctor does for specific problems, now you have a clearer picture of the diverse and critical role we play.
Helping the Central Coast Feel Well, Move Well and Perform Well!