Podiatrists also treat conditions like warts, arch disorders, flat feet, and athlete's foot.
They are fully trained in the latest medical and surgical techniques to diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and abnormalities of the feet and ankles through medical, surgical, and biochemical means. To aid in diagnosis, they take medical histories, conduct physical examinations, take x-rays, and perform laboratory tests or other pathological tests as needed. Treatment may include prescribing medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery. In California, but not all states, podiatric physicians are restricted from amputating the whole foot, but they can surgically remove toes. They cannot administer a general anesthetic, but when a general anesthetic is required, Podiatrists rely on anesthesiologists, like other surgeons.