What is a Podiatrist?
A Podiatrist or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) is a physician who specializes in medical care of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They must of a D.P.M. degree from an accredited four year college of podiatric medicine. Podiatrists complete a 3-year residency which is comprised of vigorous surgical training. They must sit for several state and national licensing boards.
Podiatrist will provide diagnosis and treatment for ANY foot and ankle pathologies, such as bunions, bone disorders, plantar fasciitis heel pain, spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns, callus, sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel. Podiatrists treatments typically involve orthotics, conservative care, and if needed, surgery.
Typically, podiatrists:
Consult with patients and other physicians on how to prevent foot problems.
Diagnose and treat: tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and bone deformities.
Perform surgeries to correct problems such as bunions, hammer toes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, ruptured Achilles, and other ligaments and tendons.
Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and lab tests.
Prescribe or fits patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.
