A local podiatrist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats problems of the foot, ankle and lower leg. They may write prescriptions, perform surgery for bunions and hammertoes and treat patients with diabetes-related foot conditions. If you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk of developing diabetic neuropathy in your feet, which may lead to amputation. Your local family physician or local endocrinologist may refer you to a local podiatrist to help you manage your diabetes. Working with a local podiatrist may help you prevent diabetes-related foot problems and reduce your risk of amputation. Your local podiatrist may work closely with your local endocrinologist. Seeing a local podiatrist in conjunction with a physiotherapist is often a good idea to treat diabetes conditions requiring podiatrist care.