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CHICAGO’S TRUSTED PODIATRY PRACTICE • 4 LOCATIONS

What Is a Podiatrist? Chicago, IL

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) — a specialist trained in the diagnosis, medical treatment, and surgery of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures. If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, a podiatrist is the right specialist to see.

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What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists complete four years of podiatric medical school followed by a 3-year surgical residency — earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree. They are licensed physicians who specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.

Podiatrists are trained in:

  • Medical management of foot and ankle conditions
  • Foot and ankle surgery (reconstructive, minimally invasive, arthroscopic)
  • Biomechanical assessment and orthotic fabrication
  • Diabetic foot care and wound management
  • Sports medicine for the lower extremity
  • Nail and skin disorders of the foot
The podiatrists at Michigan Avenue Podiatry are board-certified DPMs with hospital privileges, additional fellowship training, and extensive experience treating the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions in Chicago.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You don’t need a referral to see a podiatrist. If you have any of the following, schedule an appointment directly.

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Heel or Arch Pain

Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis — common and very treatable. Don’t wait until pain is severe.

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Diabetes

Annual diabetic foot exams are recommended (and often covered by Medicare). Early detection of neuropathy and circulatory issues prevents serious complications.

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Nail Problems

Ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, thickened nails — all are effectively treated in-office, often in a single visit.

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Bunions or Hammertoes

Structural deformities that worsen over time if untreated. Early intervention with orthotics and footwear guidance can slow progression; surgery corrects the deformity.

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Sports Injuries

Stress fractures, ankle sprains, tendinitis — podiatrists are experts in athletic lower extremity injuries and return-to-sport protocols.

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Any Foot Pain That Limits Your Life

If foot or ankle pain is changing how you walk, limiting your activity, or waking you at night — don’t dismiss it. We can help.

4 Chicagoland Locations

Expert podiatric care close to home — Downtown Chicago, Elmhurst, Flossmoor, and Tinley Park.

Michigan Avenue — Chicago

30 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1220, Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 701-0770

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

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Elmhurst, IL

277 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

(312) 701-0770

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

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Flossmoor, IL

19801 Governors Hwy #150, Flossmoor, IL 60422

(708) 799-2900

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

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Tinley Park, IL

6703 W 159th St Suite 107, Tinley Park, IL 60477

(708) 799-2900

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

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Frequently Asked Questions

A podiatrist (D.P.M.) is specifically trained in the foot, ankle, and lower leg — exclusively. An orthopedic surgeon (M.D. or D.O.) is trained in the entire musculoskeletal system, with foot and ankle as a subspecialty for those who pursue additional fellowship training. For most foot and ankle conditions, a board-certified podiatric physician provides equivalent or superior specialized expertise compared to a general orthopedic surgeon, particularly for conditions like bunions, flatfoot, hammertoes, diabetic foot care, and sports injuries of the lower extremity.

In most cases, no. Podiatrists are primary care providers for foot and ankle conditions, and most patients self-refer directly. Some insurance plans (HMOs) may require a primary care referral for specialist visits — check your specific plan. Medicare and most PPO plans allow you to see a podiatrist without a referral.

Podiatrists treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related lower leg structures. Conditions above the knee — knee pain, hip pain, lower back pain — are generally outside the podiatric scope of practice, though lower extremity biomechanics assessed by a podiatrist often influence these areas. For knee or hip issues, an orthopedic surgeon or physiatrist is the appropriate specialist.

Yes. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.s) complete a 3-year surgical residency and are licensed to perform a full range of foot and ankle surgical procedures, including bunionectomy, hammertoe correction, Achilles tendon repair, ankle arthroscopy, flatfoot reconstruction, and fracture repair. Podiatric surgeons operate in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers with the same privileges as M.D. surgeons for foot and ankle procedures.

Bring a list of your current medications and any relevant medical history (diabetes, arthritis, circulatory conditions). Wear or bring the shoes you most commonly use — your podiatrist will examine your footwear. If you have prior foot X-rays or imaging, bring the reports or discs. Wear or bring socks that are easy to remove. Most new patient appointments take 30 to 45 minutes.

Plantar FasciitisDiabetic Foot CareCustom OrthoticsAll Services

See Chicago’s Trusted Podiatrists.

Michigan Avenue Podiatry’s board-certified DPMs are ready to evaluate your foot and ankle concerns — no referral required. Same-day appointments available at 4 Chicagoland locations.

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(312) 701-0770  |  [email protected]

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Usman, D.P.M. — Podiatric Physician & Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Featured in Forbes, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Bustle, and Medscape.

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