Type your paragraph here.Podiatrists commonly manage a wide range of painful, often chronic foot and ankle problems and usually start with conservative care before considering surgery. Below is content you can adapt directly for a patient-facing page.
Skin and nail problems
Ingrown toenails, thick or fungal nails, corns, calluses, and warts (verrucae) are very common reasons to see a podiatrist. Treatments include nail trimming and reshaping, partial nail removal with chemical matrixectomy, debridement of corns/calluses, topical or oral antifungals, and procedures or topical agents for warts.
Heel and arch pain
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are among the most frequent conditions treated, often presenting as sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning. Management may involve stretching programs, shoe changes, custom or prefabricated orthotics, taping, night splints, physical therapy, injections, and in resistant cases, advanced modalities or surgery.
Toe deformities and forefoot pain
Bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot) are routinely evaluated by podiatrists. Treatment ranges from wider or more supportive footwear, padding, orthotics, and splints to corrective surgery when deformity or pain is significant.
Injuries and overuse conditions
Ankle sprains, strains, stress fractures, and other foot fractures are often diagnosed and managed by podiatrists. Care may include imaging, immobilization (boots, casts, braces), activity modification, physical therapy, and surgical fixation when needed.
Tendon and joint problems
Common issues include Achilles tendinitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, flat feet–related pain, and arthritis in foot and ankle joints. Podiatrists use exercise and strengthening programs, orthotics and bracing, anti-inflammatory medications or injections, and sometimes reconstructive or joint procedures.
Diabetic and high‑risk foot care
Podiatrists play a central role in preventing and treating diabetic foot ulcers, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and infections in people with diabetes or poor circulation. Care includes regular foot exams, callus and nail care, pressure off‑loading (special footwear, casts, orthotics), wound care, and coordination with vascular and wound-care teams to prevent amputation.