Podiatry Profession Overview
What Is a Podiatrist?
A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) is responsible for diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Feet are complex anatomical structures, all-in-one stabilizers, shock absorbers, and propulsion engines that are instrumental to overall health and well-being. They require expert care.
Podiatrists complete a bachelor’s degree, four years of training in podiatric medical school, and then three years of hospital residence training. Podiatrists have an opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields including surgery, sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, diabetic care, and more.
From (https://www.apma.org/podiatristsFAQ)
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
In an average day a DPM may:
- Provide individual consultations to patients concerning continued treatment of disorders and preventive foot care.
- Diagnose foot ailments such as tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin or nail diseases, and congenital or acquired deformity such as weak feet and foot imbalance.
- Use innovative methods to treat conditions such as corns, calluses, bunions, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, arch problems, shortened tendons, cysts, bone disorders, and abscesses.
- Design corrective orthotics, plaster casts, and strappings to correct deformities.
- Design flexible casting for immobilization of foot and ankle fractures, sprains, or other injuries.
- Correct walking patterns and balance, and promote the overall ability to move about more efficiently and comfortably.
- Refer patients to other physicians when symptoms observed in the feet indicate disorders, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or kidney disease.