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Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Peter Hanna, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist
Almost 8 in 10 Americans have experienced a foot problem at some point in their lives, yet most people couldn’t tell you what a podiatrist actually does. That disconnect is a real problem. Feet carry us through every step of every day, and when something goes wrong down there, it doesn’t just affect walking. It changes how we work, exercise, sleep and enjoy life.
At SFL Medical Group, our podiatry team sees this firsthand. Patients come in after weeks or months of limping, self-treating, or flat-out ignoring foot and ankle pain. And in nearly every case, early intervention could have saved them time, money and unnecessary discomfort.
So let’s break it all down. What exactly does a podiatrist do, what conditions do they treat, and when is it time to stop guessing and actually book an appointment?
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) who specializes in diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions that affect the foot, ankle and lower leg. Think of them as the go-to specialists for everything below the knee.
Podiatrists are not the same as general physicians. They attend specialized podiatric medical schools rather than traditional medical schools, earning a DPM degree instead of an MD. Their training is rigorous. It begins with a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of podiatric medical school covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and podiatric-specific subjects. After that, they complete a three-year hospital-based residency where they gain hands-on surgical and clinical experience.
Once licensed, podiatrists can prescribe medications, order lab tests and imaging (like X-rays and MRIs), perform surgery, reset broken bones and prescribe custom medical devices such as orthotics, braces and casts. They work with patients of all ages, from toddlers with gait abnormalities to seniors managing diabetic foot complications.
Podiatrists handle a surprisingly broad scope of care. Here’s a closer look at what a typical podiatrist manages on a daily basis.
Podiatrists perform physical examinations and use diagnostic tests to identify issues that affect movement and foot function. They assess everything from bone alignment and joint mobility to skin integrity and nerve sensitivity. Using tools like ultrasound, X-rays and MRI scans, they pinpoint the exact cause of pain or dysfunction.
From ingrown toenails and plantar warts to bunions and hammertoes, podiatrists treat the everyday conditions that millions of Americans deal with. Many of these problems seem minor at first. But without proper treatment, an ingrown toenail can become infected, and a small bunion can gradually alter how you walk, leading to knee or hip pain over time.
We’ve treated patients at our Miami clinic who assumed a little heel pain would resolve on its own. Months later, they’re dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis that could have been addressed much sooner.
When conservative treatments fail, podiatrists are trained to perform a wide range of surgical procedures. These include bunion removal, hammertoe correction, heel spur resection, fracture repair, tendon and ligament repair, and even complex reconstructive surgeries.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques have changed the game. Patients now experience smaller incisions, less postoperative pain and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
Custom orthotics are one of the most effective tools in a podiatrist’s arsenal. Unlike generic drugstore inserts, custom orthotics are molded to match the exact contours of your foot. They relieve pressure, correct structural imbalances and support proper gait mechanics.
Podiatrists also prescribe specialized footwear, braces, casts and mobility aids like canes or walkers when needed.
Diabetes is one of the biggest risk factors for serious foot complications. High blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, reducing sensation and circulation in the feet. Patients with diabetes may not feel cuts, blisters or sores that can quickly escalate into dangerous infections or ulcers.
Podiatrists play a central role in diabetic foot management. They conduct routine foot examinations, check nerve sensitivity, assess circulation and provide wound care. For diabetic patients, comprehensive foot exams aren’t optional. They’re essential for preventing complications that could lead to amputation.
Athletes put tremendous stress on their feet and ankles. Sprains, stress fractures, Achilles tendon injuries and plantar fasciitis are common complaints we see at SFL Medical Group. Podiatrists evaluate biomechanics, develop rehabilitation programs and recommend orthotics designed to prevent recurrence.
Whether you’re a marathon runner dealing with shin splints or a weekend basketball player nursing an ankle sprain, a podiatrist can get you back on your feet faster than general treatment alone.
Children’s feet are still developing, which makes early detection of problems especially important. Flat feet, intoeing, outtoeing and gait abnormalities may seem like phases kids will outgrow, but they can indicate underlying structural issues that benefit from early intervention.
Pediatric orthotics, physical therapy and specialized footwear recommendations can correct these problems before they affect a child’s mobility and quality of life long-term.
Podiatrists treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common ones:
Knowing when to see a podiatrist can be the difference between a quick fix and a long recovery. Here are the key signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment.
Pain that lasts more than a few days and doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter treatment needs professional attention. Chronic foot pain often signals conditions like plantar fasciitis, stress fractures or arthritis that require targeted treatment. At our practice, we’ve seen too many patients who waited months before seeking help, turning a treatable condition into a chronic problem.
Swelling in one foot, redness, or skin that feels warm to the touch could indicate infection, inflammation, or even a fracture. These symptoms should never be ignored, especially if they develop suddenly or are accompanied by fever.
Loss of sensation, tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling in the feet may point to nerve damage or circulatory issues. For people with diabetes, this is a particularly urgent warning sign that requires immediate evaluation.
Visible changes like new bumps, discoloration of skin or nails, structural shifts in the toes, or unexplained growths warrant a podiatric evaluation. These could indicate anything from fungal infections to circulatory problems or even tumors.
If foot or ankle discomfort is changing how you walk, causing you to limp or preventing you from standing for normal periods, see a podiatrist. Altered gait patterns can cascade into knee, hip and lower back problems over time.
Every person with diabetes should have their feet examined by a podiatrist at least once a year. Regular checkups catch problems like neuropathy, circulation issues and early-stage ulcers before they become serious.
Ankle sprains that don’t improve, recurring shin splints and persistent heel pain after physical activity all call for specialized podiatric evaluation. Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to chronic problems if not properly treated.
Thick, discolored, crumbling or painful toenails often indicate fungal infection or trauma that over-the-counter treatments can’t resolve. A podiatrist can identify the root cause and provide effective treatment, including minor nail surgery if necessary.
Aging naturally changes our feet. The natural cushioning thins, skin becomes more fragile, and flexibility decreases. Regular podiatric checkups help address these age-related changes and maintain mobility.
One of the most common questions we get at SFL Medical Group is whether a patient should see a podiatrist or an orthopedist. Both are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, but their training and scope differ.
Podiatrists specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle and lower leg. Their entire education and residency training focuses on this area, making them the go-to experts for conditions below the knee. Orthopedists, on the other hand, are trained to treat the entire musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons throughout the body.
For focused foot and ankle care, bunion surgery, diabetic foot management, ingrown toenails and custom orthotics, a podiatrist is typically the best first choice. If foot or ankle problems are connected to broader musculoskeletal issues (like hip or spinal alignment problems affecting your gait), an orthopedist may be more appropriate.
If you’ve never visited a podiatrist before, knowing what to expect can ease any apprehension.
During your initial appointment, the podiatrist will take a complete medical history and ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, footwear habits and any underlying health conditions like diabetes or arthritis. A thorough physical examination of your feet, ankles and lower legs follows.
Depending on your symptoms, the podiatrist may order X-rays, an MRI or other imaging tests right in the office. They’ll also observe how you stand, walk and move to assess your gait and biomechanics.
After diagnosis, your podiatrist will discuss treatment options in detail. This might include conservative approaches like medications, physical therapy, orthotics or lifestyle modifications. If surgery is recommended, the podiatrist will explain the procedure, expected recovery timeline and alternatives.
At South Florida Multi-Specialty Medical Group, we believe the best foot care doesn’t happen in isolation. Our podiatry team collaborates with primary care providers, endocrinologists, vascular surgeons and orthopedic specialists to deliver coordinated, holistic care.
This multispecialty approach is particularly valuable for patients with complex conditions. A diabetic patient with a foot ulcer, for instance, benefits from the combined expertise of our endocrinology and podiatry teams working together. Someone with arthritis-related foot pain may receive coordinated care from our rheumatology and podiatry departments.
We treat the full spectrum of podiatric conditions, from common ailments like heel pain and ingrown toenails to advanced surgical interventions and diabetic wound care. Our team uses the latest diagnostic imaging and treatment technologies, including custom orthotics, regenerative therapies and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Located in Miami, we serve patients throughout South Florida who are looking for expert, compassionate foot and ankle care. If you’re searching for the best podiatrist in Miami, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team using our contact page.
Prevention goes a long way. Here are practical steps to keep your feet in great shape:
Dr. Peter Hanna is a board-certified podiatrist and reconstructive foot & ankle surgeon with over 15 years of experience. He serves as Director of Podiatry at South Florida Multispecialty Medical Group, specializing in complex reconstruction, minimally invasive surgery, and diabetic foot care.
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