Podiatry

Podiatry is a specialist field involving the treatment of ailments affecting the ankle, foot and associated inferior extremity structures. The primary goal is to ensure the sustained functionality of the ankle and foot areas. If you have ligament or joint problems, you might be a candidate for a surgical solution that offers long-lasting repair of the condition. However, there are also many concerns that may not require surgery.

At Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, our specialists often begin with more conservative treatment options to address problems in the least invasive way possible. However, when surgery becomes necessary, our team is equipped to provide the highest level of care and expertise to ensure you are back in action as quickly and comfortably as possible. From fractures to diabetic care, our team is ready to help you with all your podiatry needs.

Conditions Treated by Podiatrists

We provide care for the following concerns involving the foot, ankle and lower extremity:

Nail Disorders

From fungus to stubborn ingrown nails, disorders affecting the toenails can be both embarrassing and painful. Prescription medication may be needed to eliminate a fungus. Ingrown nails that do not resolve on their own may involve the removal of a portion of the nail to relieve discomfort and medication to treat any associated infection.

Toe Deformities

Different types of toe deformities can develop, and many are due to poor-fitting shoes, disease or injury. In addition to the intense discomfort associated with these conditions, toe deformities can also limit your activity level and even your ability to wear some shoes. Surgery is necessary to correct these issues in many cases, to provide proper alignment to the toes.

Bunions

Painful bumps known as bunions can form on the outer side of the big toe joint. The cause is often pointed or ill-fitting shoes that put stress on this area of the foot. In some cases, bunions can be effectively treated with orthotic devices, but other patients may require surgery to achieve long-lasting relief.

Heel Spurs

If you experience heel pain frequently, the culprit could be a condition known as heel spurs. These bony growths consist of calcium deposits that form on the underside of the heel, making it very painful to walk for some sufferers. Like bunions, many heel spurs can be treated through conservative measures, although surgery is necessary for the most severe cases.

Sprains and Fractures

Sprains affect the soft tissue in the foot and ankle, while fractures involve breaks in one of the many bones in the area. Both injuries can be both painful and debilitating, but professional treatment speeds the healing process and restores full function. Surgery is rarely needed except in the most severe situations.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that involves persistent, painful inflammation of the joints of the foot and ankle. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are effective ways to reduce symptoms. Our specialists work with patients on a variety of levels to help them maintain function and relieve discomfort associated with arthritis.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes is another chronic condition that increases your risk of foot problems. Problems can range from skin issues to neuropathic pain. Our team of specialists can help you manage conditions associated with diabetes, lowering your risk for more severe problems.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot—becomes inflamed due to excessive strain. Conservative treatments like stretching exercises, proper footwear, activity modifications, and custom orthotics can effectively manage this condition.

Flat Feet

You have flat feet (also known as fallen arches or collapsed arches) if the entire sole of your foot touches the ground when standing. While some people with flat feet experience no symptoms, others develop pain in their feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. Targeted stretches, orthotic devices, or shoe modifications can help treat fallen arches.

Treatment Options in Podiatry

Our treatment philosophy is always to begin with the most conservative options, including medication, physical therapy, and orthotic devices. When these approaches are not sufficient, surgery may be necessary to bring the desired relief and restore function to the foot or ankle.

Custom Orthotics

Custom foot orthotics are prescription medical devices that align and support your foot. While you can purchase over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are made specifically for your foot structure and concerns. Orthotics can correct biomechanical issues, redistribute pressure away from painful areas, and provide stability during activities.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important tool for managing chronic conditions and recovering from foot and ankle injuries. Our therapists work closely with our podiatrists to develop exercise programs that improve flexibility, strength, and balance while reducing pain and inflammation.

Injection Therapies

Our podiatrists may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in conditions like plantar fasciitis or neuromas, or newer regenerative medicine options for appropriate cases. These minimally invasive treatments can offer relief when other conservative approaches are not effective and may help you avoid more invasive procedures.

Medications

Podiatrists can prescribe a variety of medications, including antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungals for fungal infections like athlete’s foot or nail fungus, and pain relievers.

Specialized Podiatric Services

Beyond general foot care, our podiatrists offer specialized services for patients with specific needs:

Diabetic Foot Management

If you’re living with diabetes, you probably know foot health requires special attention. Even small problems can quickly become serious when diabetes affects your circulation and nerve sensation. 

We take a proactive approach to keeping diabetic feet healthy. When you visit us, we’ll check your circulation and sensation, carefully examine between your toes and other areas where problems often start, and look for early warning signs that might not be causing symptoms yet.

We’ll teach you practical ways to protect your feet at home, and we’ll coordinate closely with your primary care doctor and other specialists to ensure our work integrates seamlessly with the rest of your diabetes care.

Sports Medicine

An active lifestyle places unique demands on your feet and ankles. Our sports podiatry services treat existing injuries and prevent future problems so you can perform at your best:

• Sport-specific biomechanical assessments
• Footwear recommendations tailored to your activity
• Custom orthotics designed for athletic performance
• Injury prevention strategies
• Rehabilitation protocols designed to safely return you to your sport

Our goal is to keep you doing what you love, not force you to stop. We recommend addressing issues early so you can stay active on your terms.

Pediatric Foot Care

Children’s feet are not simply smaller versions of adult feet. They are constantly growing and developing, which presents unique challenges and opportunities for care.

We evaluate everything from toeing-in or out, flat feet, and other walking concerns to more complex congenital conditions. Our approach is gentle and kid-friendly, focused on making young patients comfortable while addressing parents’ concerns.

Many pediatric foot issues resolve naturally with growth, while others benefit from intervention so they don’t continue into adulthood. We’ll help you understand the difference and develop a treatment plan that considers your child’s development, activity level, and other unique needs.

When Should I See a Podiatrist?

Minor foot discomfort can resolve with rest and home care, but it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers
• Pain that interferes with your daily activities or wakes you at night 
• Noticeable changes in the appearance of your feet
• Decreased sensation or tingling in your feet, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions affecting circulation
• Recurring ingrown toenails, especially those showing signs of infection
• Skin or nail changes, including discoloration, thickening, or crumbling of toenails
• Painful corns or calluses that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments

Remember that early intervention often leads to simpler treatment plans and better outcomes. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant a visit, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and schedule an evaluation.

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Feet

If you are suffering from the pain and disability of a foot or ankle condition, our team of specialists can help. Contact Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio today at 419-222-6622 to find out more about our podiatry services.

Podiatry FAQ

Is a podiatrist a doctor?

Yes. Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) and receive specialized training focused exclusively on the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Like a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO), podiatrists are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions within their scope of practice.

Do podiatrists go to med school?

Podiatrists attend specialized podiatric medical schools. Their education includes four years of undergraduate education followed by four years at an accredited podiatric medical school. After graduating, podiatrists complete a three-year residency program. Many also pursue an additional year of fellowship training.

Can a podiatrist do surgery?

Podiatrists are trained and licensed to perform surgery on the foot and ankle. Their surgical procedures range from minor operations like removing ingrown toenails to more complex reconstructive surgeries. At OIO, our podiatrists collaborate with our orthopaedic surgeons when additional expertise is beneficial.

Is it better to see a podiatrist or orthopaedist?

Neither is universally “better” – they are different types of healthcare providers, but they often treat similar issues. 

Podiatrists specialize exclusively in foot and ankle care. They are often the primary providers for conditions like ingrown toenails, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot problems. 

Orthopaedists (or orthopaedic surgeons) treat injuries and diseases throughout the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues) anywhere in the body. Some specialize in foot and ankle surgery.

You might meet with both a podiatrist and an orthopaedist. For some foot and ankle conditions, starting with a podiatrist provides the benefit of their specialized focus, followed by a seamless transition to orthopaedic surgery if needed.

How do feet change as you age?

Feet undergo a variety of natural changes as you get older: 

• The fatty padding on the bottom of your feet thins, reducing the natural cushioning that protects the inner structures 
• Skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more susceptible to injury and slower to heal
• Your arches may gradually flatten as supporting tendons and ligaments lose strength and elasticity
• Toenails typically become thicker and more brittle
• Joints may become stiffer due to cartilage deterioration or arthritis
• You may notice gradual changes in foot shape, including widening and elongation. 

These changes make it increasingly important to wear proper footwear as you get older. It is also a good idea to schedule more regular podiatric check-ups to address these changes and prevent complications.