If your problem is orthopedically related, he may ask you to walk, so that he can perform a gait analysis. Do not be intimidated by the equipment in the office. Even the tub for a relaxing whirlpool can seem ominous. You may notice ultrasound machines and other physical therapy devices. These are used to help rehabilitate an injured foot or to help speed the healing of a foot which has recently been operated on.
Ultrasound machines produce sound waves which are perceived as a warm comfortable feeling.
In most cases, you'll walk out of your podiatrist's office a lot more comfortable than when you came in. They are however never routine. If your doctor orders X-rays of your feet before he has even looked at them, find another doctor. If you have a structural foot problem such as a corn due to a hammertoe or underlying bone spur, your podiatrist may need to take an X-ray of your foot. X-rays may also be necessary to locate a foreign body such as a pin or a piece of leaded glass.