Podiatrists specialize in the medical and surgical care of foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.

What is a Podiatrist (and what can they do or not do)? This is a question I get asked all the time so hopefully you can find some clarification in this blog post.

Foot and ankle surgeons are the surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. They provide complete non-surgical and surgical care for a variety of conditions that affect people of every age. Foot and ankle surgeons today are a new generation of skilled physicians with the highest level of education, training and board certification, they are the leaders in the field of foot and ankle care.

Board Certification

Foot and ankle surgeons are either board-certified or board-eligible by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in foot surgery and/or reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. Look for the FACFAS or AACFAS credentials after your foot and ankle surgeons name—only Board-Certified Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons are distinguished with the credentials of FACFAS. Associate members are board-qualified with AACFAS credentials. Rest assured, all of the Hosey and Murphy Foot and Ankle surgeons have this distinction.

Unmatched Education and Training

All of the doctors at Hosey and Murphy Foot and Ankle Centers have completed four years at a postgraduate podiatric medical school to earn their DPM degree. We have completed three-year foot and ankle surgical residency programs where we learn and fine tune our surgical techniques across all areas of the foot and ankle. This gives our physicians great experience in areas such as reconstructive surgery, deformity correction, trauma, and sports medicine.

Podiatrists Do More Than Just Surgery

Foot and ankle surgeons diagnose and treat all conditions of the foot, ankle and lower leg—from heel pain and bunions to diabetic foot care/complications as well as amputation prevention, ingrown toenails, arthritis, sports injuries, infections, trauma, fracture repair of both the foot and ankle, and much more!

Pioneers & Collaborators in the Care of Patients

Foot and ankle surgeons have pioneered breakthroughs in treatment protocols and surgical techniques that have helped millions of patients. The doctors at Hosey and Murphy Foot and Ankle Centers have conducted and authored scientific papers that have advanced the field of foot and ankle surgery. Foot and ankle surgeons are experts in chronic conditions, such as diabetes, infections, vascular disease, and arthritis (which can all affect lower extremities). They also regularly collaborate on multidisciplinary teams (patient’s primary care doctors and specialists) in both the hospital and office settings to ensure the care our patients receive the best care available.

Ryan Murphy, DPM, FACFAS

Ryan Murphy, DPM, FACFAS Dr. Murphy graduated from the Scholl College of podiatric medicine in 2009 and is now board certified by the college of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in diagnosis and treatment of any condition involving the foot and ankle. He is the owner of Hosey and Murphy Foot and Ankle Centers. Dr. Murphy specializes in sports medicine, fracture repair, forefoot surgery, and the treatment and surgical correction of ankle pain. He’s a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and has published numerous articles in respected podiatric medical journals.

Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment - Monroeville, PA

Few things impact us as much as problems with our feet, ankles, and legs. These lower extremities literally carry us through life. So when they experience health problems, our routine and functionality suffer as a result.

We understand the difficulties posed by this type of health issue, and we have services that can help. Our podiatry providers offer both medical and surgical care to fully treatment conditions involving the feet, ankles and lower legs. Additionally, for chronic health conditions affecting the feet (such as diabetes), patients can rely on their Premier primary care team to work with our podiatrist when necessary to manage their health. Contact us today if you’re ready to get back on your feet!

Premier Medical Associates, an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network, is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Our podiatric providers see patients with general foot and ankle care needs at One Monroeville Center. Additionally, outpatient procedures and surgeries are performed at Forbes Hospital and UMPC East.

What Is A Podiatrist?

Podiatrists are medical specialists who focus on treating problems of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Health issues involving the bones, joints, skin, muscles, connective tissues, nerves, and circulation of a lower limb may all be overseen by this branch of medical care. Some podiatrists also specialize in the surgical care of these areas, and carry the title of podiatric surgeon.

Podiatrists can prescribe medication, set fractures, and utilize lab and imaging tests for diagnostic purposes. And in cases where lower extremity issues are connected to another ailment, podiatrists are able to work to coordinate care with other medical professionals.

What Are Examples Of Conditions Podiatrists Can Help With?

Podiatrists are able to diagnose and treat any condition affecting the bones, joints, skin, muscles, connective tissues, nerves, and circulation of a lower limb. Examples of this include the following:

Arthritis
Diabetic foot disorders
Foot deformities (ex. flat feet, high arched feet, bunions, and hammertoe)
Foot and ankle injuries (ex. sprains, strains, and fracture)
Heel and arch pain (ex. heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis)
Skin and nail conditions
Sports injuries

When Should I See A Podiatrist?

Chronic medical conditions and acute pain alike may each benefit from the attention of a podiatrist. Swelling, trouble walking, redness, and increasing pain following an injury are all reasons to see a podiatrist. You should also consider making an appointment should you ever find yourself in these specific situations:

You become a runner. Runners are at a high risk of dealing with foot, ankle, and leg problems. A podiatrist can provide an assessment of your current condition and provide recommendations for avoiding the problems you're at the highest risk of developing. They can also make recommendations for footwear that will protect your body even further.
You begin feeling joint pain in your feet and ankles. If the joints in your feet are often swollen, red, stiff or tender, see a podiatrist. These symptoms can be the result of injuries or arthritis, both of which require prompt care to avoid disabling complications.
You have diabetes. Foot problems are a big problem for diabetics. Possible conditions of the feet range from minor dry skin to serious injury, infections, and even amputation. Diabetics should therefore have a foot exam at least once a year to minimize their risk of complications.
Pain begins limiting your activities. Any pain in the foot, ankle, heel, and so forth that affects your daily life should be seen by a podiatrist. This will allow you to find relief ASAP, as well as obtain a treatment plan that will help you avoid permanent disability.
You suspect a serious injury. Some foot and ankle pain requires more advanced care than R&R. Podiatrists are experts at treating these types of issues, including sprains, strains, and broken bones in the foot or the ankle.
You need foot surgery. Sometimes, health issues do not respond to conservative treatment, and surgery is needed to reach a positive outcome. In these cases, specialized podiatrists can perform necessary procedures of the foot and ankle. Conditions that may require surgery include bunions, recurring ingrown toenails, and broken bones.

Keep reading to learn more about specific care guidelines for your feet, ankles, and legs, as well as if you are living with diabetes.

What Causes Foot Pain?

Everything from poorly fitted shoes to overuse (i.e. long walks or runs), to sprains, to strains, and to trauma (such as stress fractures of the foot bones) can cause foot pain. Because the causes of foot pain are so varied, meeting with a professional that can provide proper exams with advanced diagnostics is a critical part of addressing the specific source of foot pain.

When Is It Time To See A Podiatrist For Foot Pain?

You should consider seeing a podiatrist if you have severe foot pain, swelling, numbness or tingling, open sores or wounds, and/or an infection of the foot. Any foot issues that do not respond to at-home rest and care should also be reported to a specialist. Finally, always call a podiatrist or family doctor immediately if you are unable to walk or can’t put weight on your foot.

I’m Dealing With A Broken Foot - Can A Podiatrist Help?

Yes! While many broken bones are initially treated at urgent care centers or ERs (which provide fast relief from painful symptoms), a podiatrist is a wonderful resource during your recovery. A broken foot bone often requires a range of support and follow-up care as a patient recovers. This may include x-rays that track the healing process, as well as therapy that supports the muscles and ligaments of the feet. Every case is a little bit different; so working with medical professionals will be the key to determining exactly what you need as you recover.

What Causes Ankle Pain?

Like foot pain, ankle pain can be the result of multiple issues or factors. Footwear, sprains, strains, overuse, lack of use, or trauma may all contribute to the development of ankle pain.

What If I’m Dealing With Something Common, Like A Sprained Ankle?

Believe it or not, sometimes specialist help is needed to provide sprained ankle treatment. An ankle sprain injury stretches and tears the ligaments of the ankle, which help to keep the entire ankle and foot stable. As a result, even a minor ankle sprain has the potential to turn into something more serious. Serious complications include permanent damage, a risk of repeated injury, and perhaps even a need for corrective surgery.

With this in mind, you should contact a podiatrist any time you find yourself “grinning and bearing” your way through a sprain, as well as any time you experience repetitive ankle injuries.

Can A Podiatrist Help With A Fractured Ankle?

Yes. Podiatrists can be especially helpful in these cases because breaks of the ankle don't always occur immediately after an injury. Instead, long-term strains related to muscle or tendon issues may contribute to ankle fractures. With this in mind, specialist testing can help patients diagnose a long-developing break. Additionally, a podiatrist may be able to contribute to surgical corrections in the event that they are needed.

What Leg Issues Do Podiatrists Treat?

While these specialized are associated with the feet and ankles, they can also help with some conditions of the lower leg. Examples of this include:

lower leg fractures
tendon tears
wounds
skin problems

Additionally, because the lower extremities are so closely connected and intertwined, podiatrist care for an issue in one area can often help address pain points in another!

What Does A Podiatrist Have To Do With Diabetes?

A lot! A podiatrist is an important part of your diabetes health care team. This is because podiatrists are specifically trained to assess the nerve damage from diabetes, including two 2 diabetes, in your feet. These specialists will also identify your specific foot health risks, and help you come up with a treatment and prevention plan.

What Should I Expect From A Visit With Your Team?

Premier Medical Associates, an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network, is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area. We understand the difficulties posed by lower extremity pain, and our services are targeted to address and improve these difficulties. Both medical and surgical care can be used to help you find relief and will be recommended based on your specific health needs and goals.

Our podiatric providers see patients with general foot and ankle care needs at One Monroeville Center. Additionally, outpatient procedures and surgeries are performed at Forbes Hospital and UPMC East.

Which medical specialty provides care for patients with foot and ankle issues?

A podiatrist, or foot doctor, has years of intense training in the function, health, anatomy, and diseases of the foot and ankle. They understand the stresses and strains daily life place on the lower extremities.

Is it better to have foot surgery by a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon?

While other orthopedic physicians may be able to perform such procedures, a podiatrist is a better expert than an orthopedic physician in terms of foot and ankle health, and when it comes to surgery, you should not take a chance on an inexperienced surgeon.

What is the most common problem treated by a podiatrist?

The most common foot problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Treatment for heel pain often includes things like stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or cortisone injections.

Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist for ankle pain?

The general guideline to follow when you experience a foot or ankle problem is to reach out to a podiatrist first. On the other hand, you should visit your orthopedist if you have any issues with other parts of your musculoskeletal system.