What is a Podiatrist? Understanding the Role of a DPM

If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, you may be referred to a podiatrist. But what exactly does that mean? A podiatrist is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. These providers hold the credential DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine), reflecting advanced, focused medical and surgical training.

Many podiatrists (including those at Boulder Medical Center) are also trained in foot and ankle surgery, allowing them to provide both conservative care and advanced surgical treatment when needed.

Understanding what a DPM is and the range of conditions they treat can help you make informed decisions about your care.

What Does DPM Stand For?

DPM stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. A DPM is a physician dedicated to foot and ankle health. Their training includes:

• Four years of podiatric medical school
• Hospital-based residency training (typically three years)
• Extensive experience in both non-surgical care and foot-and-ankle surgery

This specialized training allows podiatrists to manage everything from common conditions to complex structural and surgical cases.

What Conditions Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists care for a wide range of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremity, from everyday concerns to more complex injuries and chronic conditions.

Common foot and ankle conditions include:

• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
• Bunions and tailor’s bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails and toenail fungus
• Warts and calluses
• Nerve-related conditions affecting the feet

Injuries and structural conditions:

• Achilles tendon rupture
• Foot and ankle injuries, instability, and trauma
• Flatfoot conditions
• Arthritis affecting the foot and ankle
• Pain in the foot, heel, arch, or calf

Chronic and specialized conditions:

• Diabetic foot conditions, including wound care and Charcot arthropathy

Because the foot and ankle contain dozens of bones, joints, and soft tissue structures, even small issues can significantly impact mobility and comfort.

What Treatments Do Podiatrists Provide?

Podiatrists offer both conservative and advanced treatment options—including surgical care—based on each individual’s condition and goals.

Non-surgical treatments may include:

• Custom orthotics and supportive footwear recommendations
• Bracing and stabilization
• Gait analysis to evaluate walking patterns
• Treatment for skin and nail conditions

Advanced care and procedures:

• Bunion correction, including advanced techniques such as Lapiplasty® 3D
• Foot and ankle surgery for injuries, deformities, and chronic conditions
• Diabetic limb preservation and wound care

When surgery is recommended, it is typically after conservative options have been considered, with the goal of restoring function, reducing pain, and improving long-term mobility.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You may benefit from seeing a podiatrist if you experience:

• Persistent foot or ankle pain
• Difficulty walking, running, or staying active
• Changes in the shape or structure of your feet\
• Injuries that are not improving
• Foot concerns related to diabetes

Early evaluation can often prevent more serious complications and may reduce the need for more invasive treatment.

Why Specialized Foot and Ankle Care Matters

Your feet support your entire body and play a critical role in movement and balance. When foot or ankle issues go untreated, they can affect how you walk and contribute to discomfort in other areas, such as the knees, hips, or back.

Because podiatrists are trained in both conservative care and foot-and-ankle surgery, they can guide treatment across the full spectrum, from early intervention to advanced procedures when needed.

Let’s Talk

If you’re experiencing foot or ankle discomfort, connecting with a podiatry specialist can help you return to the activities you enjoy.

Boulder Medical Center provides podiatry care, including advanced treatment options and foot-and-ankle surgery, with clinics in Boulder and Louisville, Colorado. Schedule an appointment and take the next step toward healthier movement.