What Does a Podiatrist Do?
Posted January 22, 2026 in Podiatrist
Foot pain has a way of stopping you in your tracks—literally. Maybe you’ve started noticing mild pain when you walk, a toenail that just won’t heal, or a sports injury that refuses to get better. But who should you see about your concerns: your primary care doctor or a foot and ankle specialist? If you’re like most people, you may be unsure exactly what a podiatrist does and what issues they treat, which can lead to delays in getting the right treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore what podiatrists do and what they treat so that you can take the first step towards foot and ankle relief.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Is a Podiatrist?
- What Training Does a Podiatrist Need?
- What Should I Look for in a Podiatrist?
- What Does a Podiatrist Do?
- What Conditions Do Podiatrists Treat?
- When Should I See a Podiatrist?
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the foot and ankle. Because these areas support all of your body weight and enable you to move through your daily life, podiatrists are an essential part of maintaining mobility, comfort, and long-term foot and ankle function. They work with patients of all ages, whether you’re a young athlete or an older adult, to address everything from minor foot problems like ingrown toenails to complex deformities, fractures, chronic pain, and diabetes-related foot complications.
Dr. Ethan Cimentis an expert in treating foot and ankle conditions, from podopediatrics (podiatry for children)to podiatric sports medicine. He also has extensive experience in lower-extremity wound care and diabetic foot care.
What Training Does a Podiatrist Need?
Podiatry training is similar to that of a Doctor of Medicine (MD). To earn their Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, candidates must complete four years of podiatric medical school followed by a three-year residency focused on surgery, biomechanics, wound care, and specialized foot and ankle treatments. Many DPMs also pursue board certification to demonstrate advanced expertise and training.
Dr. Ciment attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, completing his Primary Podiatric Medical Residency and Podiatric Surgical Residency, and served as Chief Surgical Resident. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and is an active member of several podiatric associations.
What Should I Look for in a Podiatrist?
Look for a podiatrist who is board certified, experienced in the condition you’re dealing with, and who stays current with the latest technology and advancements in both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Other aspects that indicate you’ll receive the highest-quality care include clear communication, a personalized treatment approach, and the use of advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods.
Dr. Ciment is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and has over 25 years of experience in podiatry. He and his team are committed to providing VIP care to every patient, building the practice on respect for your time, your budget, and your bodily autonomy—giving you treatment options that align with what you need.
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
Podiatrists provide comprehensive care for the feet and ankles, focusing on restoring comfort, mobility, and overall function.
Diagnosis
They perform thorough examinations, review medical history, and imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasound) to identify injuries, deformities, infections, or biomechanical issues.
Treatment
Podiatrists treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems. If possible, they start with conservative treatments, such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, medications, stretching programs, and lifestyle modifications. If your concern doesn’t respond to less invasive methods, the next step may be surgery.
Surgery
When necessary, podiatrists perform surgical procedures on your feet and ankles, including bunion correction, hammertoe repair, tendon repair, fracture repair, and removal of painful growths (such as warts). They are trained to operate on both soft tissue and the bones of the foot and ankle.
Preventative Care
Podiatrists also focus on preventing future foot and ankle problems, especially for patients with diabetes, arthritis, or chronic foot conditions. Preventative care may include routine monitoring, gait evaluations, footwear recommendations, and other early intervention strategies.
What Conditions Do Podiatrists Treat?
Podiatrists manage a broad spectrum of foot and ankle concerns, ranging from everyday aches to complex medical issues.
Common Issues
Common foot and ankle concerns treated by a podiatrist include heel pain, flat feet, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, corns, calluses, and toenail fungus.
Systemic Illness
Did you know that some systemic diseases often show early symptoms in your feet? That’s why podiatrists frequently treat foot and ankle complications related to diabetes, arthritis, neuropathy, circulation problems, and autoimmune disorders.
Sports Injuries
Athletes and people who are physically active utilize podiatrists to address sprains, fractures (including stress fractures), Achilles tendon injuries, and overuse conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Podiatrists help you recover safely and prevent reinjury using customized treatment plans.
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
You should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience persistent foot or ankle pain, swelling, numbness, or changes in the appearance of your feet. Sudden injuries, unexplained pain, difficulty walking, or other symptoms that interfere with your daily activities are also clear signs you need specialized foot and ankle care. People with diabetes or circulation issues should see a podiatrist regularly to prevent serious complications from developing. Even if a concern seems minor now, early evaluation by a qualified and experienced professional can prevent more serious problems later.
Schedule a Consultation at Chelsea Foot and Ankle in NYC
If foot or ankle discomfort is affecting your quality of life, Dr. Ethan Ciment and the expert team at Chelsea Foot and Ankle are here to help. Contact our office today at (646) 929-4149 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and let us help you get back on your feet with comfort and confidence.