Your feet and ankles support you as you move from place to place, providing the foundation for your balance, movement, and overall mobility. When pain, swelling, or injury affects them, it can disrupt nearly every part of your daily life. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing these problems to help you move comfortably again.

At TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine, our board-certified podiatrists offer comprehensive care, including both medical and surgical treatment, for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Understanding what podiatrists do and when to see one can help you take the first step toward lasting relief.

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Podiatrist, Explained

A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the foot, ankle, and leg. Podiatrists complete podiatric medical school followed by a residency program focused on surgical and clinical care of the lower extremities.

At TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine, our podiatrists are board-certified experts in both medical and surgical foot care. They work closely with orthopedic specialists to provide comprehensive treatment spanning routine foot health management to advanced reconstructive procedures.

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What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists help patients maintain mobility, relieve pain, and prevent long-term complications that affect balance and gait. They diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle concerns, often related to injury, overuse, or chronic conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.

Their role includes:

• Evaluating and diagnosing foot and ankle pain or deformities
• Prescribing medication, orthotics, or physical therapy
• Performing minor in-office procedures, such as toenail or wart removal
• Providing wound care and diabetic foot management
• Recommending or performing surgical procedures when needed

At TSAOG, podiatrists collaborate across specialties to ensure patients receive coordinated care that addresses both the root cause and long-term function of the foot or ankle.

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What Can a Podiatrist Treat?

Your feet are made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to support movement and balance. When any part of this structure is injured or strained, it can affect how you walk, stand, and move.

Our podiatry team provides both conservative and surgical care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis are among the most common causes of foot discomfort.
• Bunions and hammertoes can cause joint pain and make it difficult to wear shoes.
• Arthritis of the foot and ankle, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and limited mobility.
• Ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and other nail disorders.
• Neuromas and nerve pain are often described as burning or tingling in the ball of the foot.
• Sports injuries and stress fractures are caused by overuse or impact.
• Diabetic ulcers and wound care, to help prevent infection and improve healing.
• Flat feet, high arches, and arch pain can affect gait and posture.
• Skin conditions, including warts, corns, calluses, and dry or cracked heels.

In addition to these conditions, our podiatrists perform specialized procedures such as:

• Bunion and hammertoe surgery
• Custom orthotic fittings for long-term comfort and support
• Nerve surgery for neuroma and chronic pain relief
• Cryotherapy (Cryoprobe) for plantar warts
• Heel spur and metatarsal surgery for advanced or recurring foot pain

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When Should You Seek a Podiatrist?

Many people ignore foot or ankle discomfort until it starts to interfere with their daily activities, but early evaluation can prevent minor issues from becoming serious or long-lasting.

You should consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience:

• Persistent foot or ankle pain that lasts longer than a few days or keeps you from walking comfortably
• Swelling, redness, or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter treatment
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet or toes, which may indicate nerve irritation or circulation issues
• Sores, cuts, or wounds that heal slowly, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation
• Changes in foot structure or alignment, such as a fallen arch, bunion, or hammertoe
• Skin or nail problems, including ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or warts
• Pain during sports or physical activity that limits your movement or performance

It’s also a good idea to visit a podiatrist for preventive care, needs such as diabetic foot exams, orthotics fittings, or guidance on choosing proper footwear. Early care can help keep you active and prevent complications that may require surgery later on.

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Common Podiatrist FAQs

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What is the most common problem treated by podiatrists?

One of the most frequent reasons people visit a podiatrist is heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.

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Is it better to go to a podiatrist or orthopedist?

Both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons treat foot and ankle conditions, but their training and focus differ.

Podiatrists specialize exclusively in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle.
Orthopedic surgeons treat the entire musculoskeletal system, encompassing bones, joints, and soft tissue, throughout the body.

At TSAOG, patients don’t have to choose between the two. Our orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons, along with our board-certified podiatrists, collaborate closely to ensure that each person receives the right level of care.

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What does a podiatrist do on the first visit?

Your first appointment with a podiatrist focuses on understanding the cause of your symptoms and creating a personalized care plan. During the visit, your doctor will:

• Review your medical history and discuss your current concerns
• Examine your feet, ankles, and lower legs
• Check for issues such as swelling, tenderness, or alignment problems
• Order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, if needed
• Recommend treatment options, which may include orthotics, medication, physical therapy, or minor procedures

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Book Your First Appointment with a TSAOG Podiatrist

Your feet support you through every step of life, and keeping them healthy is essential to your mobility and comfort. Our Podiatry Center in San Antonio provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from children to older adults. The team includes:

• Dr. David T. Hughes, D.P.M. – Board-certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS)
• Dr. Jessica F. Rutstein, D.P.M. – Board-certified in primary care podiatric medicine by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (ABMSP)
• Dr. Cory J. Moczygemba, D.P.M. – Board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS), treating patients aged two and older.

To schedule your first appointment, call 210-804-5400 or book online.—
References:

• https://aacpm.org/becoming-a-podiatric-physician/
• https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/anatomy-of-the-foot

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