Each foot contains 26 bones and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to support your body and carry you through daily life. With that much going on in a relatively small structure, it's no surprise that foot problems are common — or that many people wait far too long before getting them looked at. A podiatrist, a physician who specializes in the foot and ankle, is trained specifically to diagnose and treat these issues.
It's easy to dismiss foot pain as something to "walk off," especially when it doesn't stop you from getting through the day. But the feet are a foundation — literally — for how the rest of the body moves, and untreated foot problems have a way of getting worse, not better, on their own. Below, our podiatrists explain what foot doctors actually do and the signs that mean it's time for an evaluation.
What does a podiatrist do?
Podiatrists complete years of specialized medical training focused entirely on the foot and ankle, giving them a depth of expertise that general practitioners typically don't have for this part of the body. A podiatrist can:
- Diagnose and treat common conditions like bunions, fungal infections, and fractures
- Apply corrective treatments, including casting and custom orthotics
- Perform foot and ankle surgery when conservative care isn't enough
- Evaluate gait abnormalities and related conditions such as shin splints
- Manage ongoing conditions like diabetic foot care and arthritis
Because they specialize in this one area of the body, podiatrists are often able to catch problems earlier and treat them more precisely than a general provider would.
Common reasons to see a podiatrist
You don't need a dramatic injury to justify a visit. Some of the most common reasons patients come to see us include:
- Foot or ankle pain from running or other high-impact exercise
- Swollen, tender, or stiff joints in the foot or ankle
- A new diagnosis of diabetes, which makes routine foot checks especially important
- Heel pain that limits your daily activities
- Ingrown toenails or persistent fungal infections
- Suspected sprains, breaks, or fractures
- Bunions that are painful or worsening
- Flat feet or other arch problems
Why waiting can make things worse
Foot problems rarely improve simply by ignoring them. Pushing through pain often changes the way you walk to compensate, and that altered gait can create new problems in the knees, hips, and back — on top of whatever started the issue in the first place. Injuries like suspected fractures or significant sprains are especially time-sensitive: delaying treatment can allow the injury to worsen and extend your overall recovery time.
People managing diabetes or circulation problems face even higher stakes, since minor foot issues can progress quickly without the sensation to notice them. Routine podiatric checkups are an important part of managing those conditions safely.
When should you see a foot doctor?
As a general rule, see a podiatrist if foot or ankle pain lasts more than a week or two, interferes with your normal activities, or keeps coming back. Seek care sooner for sudden, severe pain, visible swelling or deformity, numbness or tingling, an open wound that isn't healing, or any pain following an injury. If you have diabetes, any new foot symptom — even a small one — is worth having evaluated promptly. When you're ready, you can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.