What Does a Podiatrist Do? 2026 Guide to Foot Doctor Services

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

What Does A Podiatrist Do? We Treat All Foot & Ankle Problems!

What does a podiatrist do? A podiatrist is a doctor. Insurance coverage for podiatry care depends on your plan and the service. We can treat almost ALL foot & ankle problems!

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What conditions can a podiatrist treat?

• Toenail problems.
• Ingrown toenails.
• Toe problems.
• Ball of the foot pain.
• Arch pain.
• Flat feet or high arched feet.
• Top of the foot pain.
• Heel pain.
• Ankle pain.
• Wound care.
• Diabetes.
• Medical pedicures.

What does a podiatrist do?

Everything possible regarding the foot & ankle!

• Our physician training is highlighted by Harvard-based residency training in Boston, fellowship training in post-residency surgical techniques, the most cutting edge training in non-surgical techniques, and focus on all possible foot and ankle treatments and procedures.

We can provide hospital care as well as foot & ankle care in all aspects.

Is A Podiatrist a Physician/Doctor?

Yes! A podiatrist is a physician who has performed a minimum of 4 years undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical training, 3 years of surgical and medical hospital-based residency training, possibly a fellowship training period, and is board certified in foot & ankle surgery!

We are extremely proud of the training our physicians have accomplished.

Does Insurance Cover Podiatrist Care?

Coverage varies. Benefits, referral requirements and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan and the service. Contact our office and your insurer to help check benefits and discuss estimated costs. The majority of our care is not considered elective and is not cosmetic. The primary focus is to keep you walking, healthy and prevent any future hospitalizations for your foot and ankle problems.

• Podiatrist care is considered to be extremely cost-effective for both the nation and insurance companies.
• Many studies prove that good foot care can result in exponentially greater reductions in hospitalization and disability costs.

Podiatric Services:

1) Diabetic Foot Care:

• Diabetes can damage nerves in your feet and cause “peripheral neuropathy,” a condition that causes numbness, pain, or loss of sensitivity in your extremities. Diabetes can also affect your body’s ability to heal properly from cuts or blisters because of changes in blood flow to your feet.
• Initial risk stratification and regular checkups with your podiatrist will protect your feet and keep them healthy.
• If you notice any problems such as redness, blisters, cracks, or breaks in your skin, keep the area clean and schedule an appointment. Stop these problems before they get worse!

2)Fungal Toenails:

• An infection causes fungal toenails underneath the surface of the nail.
• The fungus can turn the nail yellow or brown in color while making it thicker. Debris can also collect beneath the nail plate and may make it painful to walk or run. (Fungal toenails may or may not be painful while they are still an active infection).
• We can perform a test to identify the type(s) of infection and determine the best treatment option for your case.
• Treatments may include prescription topical medication, prescription oral medication, and trimming of the toenails.
• It is important to seek treatment for this condition to avoid complications from an infection and spread the fungus to other nails on your hands or feet.

3) Ingrown Toenails:

• Ingrown toenails result when the nail grows sideways into the skin alongside the nail.
• This can cause pain, especially when wearing tight shoes. It can also lead to an infection with redness, swelling, and pus drainage.
• Treatment may include antibiotics if the area is infected.
• Part of your ingrown toenail may need to be surgically removed in a procedure called a partial nail plate avulsion. In most cases, this should permanently prevent this problem from ever happening again.

4) Foot Surgery:

• We have extensive training, including thousands of cases of hammertoes, bunions, tendon, and forefoot surgery.
• Top trained & Board Certified surgeons in hammertoe surgery.
• Top trained & Board Certified surgeons in bunion surgery.

5) Dermatology & Plastic Surgery:

• We have extensive training, including thousands of cases of biopsies, soft tissue mass surgery, plastic surgery, scar excision, and various other techniques.
• Top trained & Board Certified surgeons in foot dermatology & plastic surgery.

6) Foot Surgery: Toe, Foot & Ankle Fracture Repair:

• Toe, foot & ankle fractures are surprisingly common injuries in your lower extremities. Impacts with heavy stationary objects can cause these. Treatment methods vary depending on how severe your injury is.
• Top trained & Board Certified surgeons in foot trauma, toe injuries, foot injuries, and ankle fractures.

7) Flat Foot & Tendon Surgery:

• We have extensive training, including thousands of flat foot cases, high arch foot, tendon ruptures, contractures, and various other techniques.
• Top trained & Board Certified surgeons in flat foot & tendon surgery of the foot.

8) Sports Medicine:

• Win or lose sports can sometimes cause injury to the best athletes.
• Sprained ankles, torn ligaments, shin splints (leg pain), knee pain, low back pain, and other joint or muscle problems are common.
• Running form, inappropriate or ill-fitting shoes can result in other issues, including corns, calluses, and Athlete’s foot.
• Consistent self-care routines and regular visits with your podiatrist will help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet and treat small problems quickly so they don’t impact your sports performance or daily life.

9)Wound Care:

• The goal of home health care is to treat an illness or injury.
• Sometimes professional care in your home setting is the best – most efficient, and effective way to treat a wound.
• Talk to your podiatrist to see if Home Health Visits for Wound Care are the right option for you.

What does a podiatrist do? Other related services:

ESWT For Plantar Fasciitis

• ESWT For Plantar Fasciitis is an extremely effective and proven therapy. Insurance coverage for this service depends on your plan and the service. Contact our office and your insurer to discuss benefits and estimated costs.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q: What is a podiatrist?

A: Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, DPM. Podiatrists are also known as podiatric physicians, foot doctors, or podiatric surgeons. Podiatrists often diagnose and treat the foot, ankle, and other related structures of the leg.

Podiatrists receive similar training that other doctors complete. They complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training.

The podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists have received extra training such as fellowships beyond residency and board certifications by the board of foot and ankle surgery and the board of podiatric medicine.

Q: Do podiatrists accept insurance?

Our podiatrists accept many major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicare plus blue, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, Aetna health, Humana, Blue Care Network and Oscar Health. Acceptance and coverage vary by plan, provider and service. Contact our office and your insurer to help check benefits, referral requirements and estimated costs.

Q: Is toenail trimming covered by insurance?

Coverage for toenail trimming depends on your plan and circumstances. Contact our office and your insurer to help check benefits and estimated costs. If your foot is in pain or has a health issue, a podiatrist is recommended to evaluate you; coverage depends on your plan.

If you have foot pain, please call our office and schedule an evaluation with our podiatrists to discuss your eligibility for foot care and estimated costs.

Q: Are ingrown toenails covered by insurance?

Coverage for ingrown toenail care depends on your plan and the service. Contact our office and your insurer to help check benefits and estimated costs. Don’t wait to come in if you have a toe infection or a foot infection. Let us help!

Q: What parts of the body do podiatrists treat?

A: Podiatrists in Michigan are licensed to treat the foot, ankle, and lower leg below the knee.

At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we specialize in toenail problems, toe problems, foot problems, heel problems, ankle problems, minimally invasive surgery, advanced diagnostic techniques, and advanced treatment options. We pride ourselves on being your choice for all foot and ankle problems!

Q: When should I call a podiatrist for an appointment?

A: No pain is normal, especially if it has been going on for longer than one week. Insurance coverage, referral requirements and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan and the service.

The longer you wait, the more serious the pain may become. This can potentially lead to hospitalization or further foot problems.

It would help if you had it evaluated and treated to avoid long-term problems.

Q: What are corns and calluses?

A: Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin. Development of corn and callouses occur when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure.

The most common areas of development are on your feet and toes. If corns and calluses are causing you discomfort, you should seek treatment. We provide treatment for these somewhat unsightly painful conditions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Q: Does insurance cover the treatment of corns and calluses:

Insurance coverage for corn and callus evaluation and treatment depends on your plan and the service. We provide a consultation to discuss care options and estimated costs. Contact our office and your insurer to help check benefits and referral requirements.

Q: What is a Hammertoe?

A: A Hammertoe is a contracture (bending) of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes.

We provide advanced imaging such as ultrasound and digital X-rays to diagnose immediately in the office. 

This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing painful problems.

Conservative and surgical treatment options are available for the treatment of Hammertoes.

Q: What causes heel pain?

A: Typically, heel pain is not caused by one single incident or injury. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, which can lead to long-term pain that may one day require surgical treatment if not corrected.

Repetitive stress/pounding of the heel can cause heel pain.

Other common causes can include inflammation of the plantar fascia, inflammation of the back of the heel, inflammation of the heel pad, progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon, or a stress fracture caused by repetitive stress to the heel.

Q: What are orthotics or insoles?

A: Orthotics or insoles are custom foot supports that replace the over-the-counter supports that come in shoes you buy off the shelf at the store. These are designed to hug your foot more efficiently than over-the-counter products to significantly aid in balancing the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs.

Q: How can you tell if you have an infected ingrown toenail?

A: You may have an infected ingrown toenail if there are any signs of redness, swelling, pain, and drainage, such as puss coming from the area.

• If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your podiatric physician immediately.

Q: What is plantar fasciitis?

A: The plantar fascia is the thick connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.

• This tissue connects the heel bone to the toes. It is responsible for creating the arch in your foot.
• Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Q: Does Medicare pay for diabetic shoes and inserts?

A: Medicare will cover diabetic shoes and inserts with some patients.

• Patients must meet and have specific qualifying conditions that must be verified by the Physician managing their diabetes.
• If you have diabetes, you should have an annual foot evaluation performed by a foot doctor or podiatrist to determine if you are eligible for this benefit through Medicare and/or other insurance carriers.

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Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Ingrown Toenail Treatment
• Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

References

1. American Podiatric Medical Association. What is a podiatrist? APMA; 2023.
2. Menz HB, et al. Foot problems in older people: associations with sociodemographic and health characteristics. Foot Ankle Int. 2020;41(4):449-458.
3. Garrow AP, et al. The grading of hallux valgus: the Manchester Scale. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2001;91(2):74-78.

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Check Appointment Times

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, check appointment times online: choose New Patient or Existing Patient, then select a date. Availability varies.