What is a Podiatrist

A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine or D.P.M., is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems. This includes but is not limited to bunions, heel pain, arthritis, spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. A podiatrist also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel. After completing undergraduate studies, podiatrists enter podiatric medical school. From here podiatrists continue on to post graduate education, called residency. Most podiatry residencies today consist of two to three years of medical and surgical training. Podiatrists are required to take state and national exams, as well as be licensed by the state in which they practice.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are an estimated 15,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country.

Typically, podiatrists:

• Diagnose and treat a wide variety of foot and ankle problems.
• Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions, clawtoes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, ruptured Achilles, and other foot and ankle problems.
• Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, xrays, vascular and nerve testing.
• Prescribe inserts called orthotics that can alleviate foot pain.