International Podiatry Day: Myths vs. Reality

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At Upperline Health, we’re proud to have one of the most accomplished teams in the country. Our podiatrists are not only treating patients every day but also leading the profession and pushing it forward. Among our team, five of us have served as past, current, or future presidents of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). We also have leaders serving on the boards of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, state podiatry associations, boards of registration, and residency programs that train the next generation of Doctors of Podiatric Medicine or DPMs.

When people hear the word podiatrist, many still picture someone who just clips toenails or fits orthotics. However—nothing could be further from the truth. Podiatric physicians are highly trained medical specialists who diagnose, treat, and even perform advanced surgeries on conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

That’s the kind of expertise that sets podiatry apart. And why I’d like to celebrate our amazing Upperline Health podiatric physicians on International Podiatry Day while clearing up a few myths about podiatry. This will show how broad this specialty is and the impact we have on our patients.

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MYTH 1:
“Podiatrists only trim toenails.”

Reality: We provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for the foot and ankle.

Yes, podiatric physicians can help with toenails and routine foot checks, but our training goes far beyond that. DPMs are surgical specialists who handle everything from preventative care to complex reconstructions and limb saving procedures. No other medical professional is more versed in wound management and limb-salvage procedures than a podiatrist.

At Upperline Health, our services cover the entire spectrum of foot and ankle health:

• Diabetic foot care – Preventing and treatment of ulcers, infections, and amputations.
• Wound care – Using advanced therapies to heal chronic wounds.
• Limb salvage – Preserving mobility and independence for patients at high risk.
• Elective surgery – Correcting bunions, hammertoes, and other painful deformities.

So the next time you hear someone say podiatrists only “cut toenails,” you’ll know: we save limbs, restore mobility, and improve lives every day.

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MYTH 2:
“Podiatry isn’t a real medical specialty.”

Reality: Podiatry is a highly specialized branch of medicine with groundbreaking research and innovation.

Podiatric medicine is one of only three medical degrees in the U.S. that require the same minimum length of education and training: MD, DO, and DPM. After four years of undergraduate study, podiatric physicians complete four years of podiatric medical school and a minimum three-year residency in surgical and clinical care. Many go on to fellowships for further sub-specialization.

In fact, many of the biggest breakthroughs in foot and ankle surgery come directly from podiatric physicians. For example, Dr. Patrick DeHeer of Upperline Indiana pioneered an endoscopic calf muscle lengthening procedure (gastrocnemius recession) that’s now widely used to address chronic foot and ankle pain.

In the past year alone, podiatric physicians have advanced treatments for wound healing, minimally invasive surgery, and diabetic foot care. Looking ahead, podiatry is poised to play a leading role in helping detect disease earlier and manage conditions before they become life-threatening.

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MYTH 3:
“Kids don’t need podiatry care.”

Reality: Children can benefit greatly from early podiatric intervention.

Just like adults, children can experience foot and ankle issues—but too often they go untreated. Pediatric podiatric physicians specialize in conditions such as:

• Flat feet and gait abnormalities
• In-toeing and out-toeing (pigeon toe or duck walking)
• Sports injuries like sprains and growth plate fractures
• Toenail and skin conditions

When we address these problems early, we can prevent long-term pain, improve athletic performance, and support healthy growth. Research shows that podiatric physicians have led much of the innovation in pediatric foot and ankle care, and at Upperline Health, we’re proud to continue that tradition.

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MYTH 4:
“Podiatrists can’t help athletes.”

Reality: We’re an essential part of sports medicine.

Athletes put enormous strain on their feet and ankles, and podiatric physicians are often the specialists keeping them on the field. At Upperline Health, several of our doctors have served as team physicians for high schools, colleges, and even professional sports teams.

We help athletes by:

• Treating ankle sprains, stress fractures, and overuse injuries
• Customizing orthotics for performance optimization
• Performing surgeries when necessary to restore mobility
• Educating players on injury prevention and long-term foot health

Whether it’s helping a marathon runner recover from plantar fasciitis or getting a high school soccer player back on the field after an ankle sprain, podiatry plays a crucial role in sports medicine.

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Podiatry’s Real Impact on Lives

Beyond the myths and training requirements, what matters most is how podiatry changes lives. Let me share a patient story.

One of my patients, a man in his 60s with diabetes, came to us with a severe foot ulcer. He’d been told by others that amputation might be the only option. Our team worked with him on wound care, custom offloading, and infection management. Within months, his wound healed. Today, he’s walking independently and enjoying time with his grandchildren—without losing his foot.

That’s the power of podiatric medicine. We don’t just treat feet—we preserve mobility, independence, and quality of life.

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Upperline’s Leadership in Podiatric Medicine

Upperline Health is more than a medical group. We’re shaping the future of podiatric care nationwide. Our team includes:

• Former, current, and future presidents of the APMA
• Leaders on state and national boards
• Residency directors training tomorrow’s podiatrists
• Experts in health policy, coding, and value-based care

When you see an Upperline Health DPM, you’re not just seeing a doctor—you’re seeing one of the top professionals in the field. We combine cutting-edge research, compassionate care, and decades of collective leadership to deliver the best outcomes possible.

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The Bottom Line

Podiatric medicine and surgery is one of the most misunderstood specialties in healthcare. Podiatry is a highly specialized, deeply impactful medical field. We save limbs, improve athletic performance, correct deformities, and help patients of all ages live healthier, more mobile lives.

At Upperline Health, we’re proud to lead the way. With nationally recognized experts, innovative research, and comprehensive services, we’re changing what people think about podiatry—and more importantly, we’re changing lives. Happy International Podiatry Day to our Upperline Health podiatric teams! #InternationalPodiatryDay

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