What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor certified and trained to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Over time, people with diabetes tend to develop nerve damage in their feet and lower legs and need treatment from a podiatrist.

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) that treats foot and ankle and related lower extremity problems. Podiatrists complete an undergraduate degree and then spend four years in a podiatric medical school (there are currently 9 colleges of podiatric medicine in the country). Podiatric medical school closely mirrors allopathic medical training with the first two years more focused on basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, etc.) with the last two years more focused on clinical applications. After graduating from a podiatric medical college with a DPM degree, post-graduate training for podiatrist has now been standardized to three years of hospital based residency training in foot and ankle surgery and medicine.

Podiatrists are highly trained physicians and surgeons who treat one of the most fundamental parts of the body. Feet are complex anatomical structures, all-in-one stabilizers, shock absorbers, and propulsion engines that are instrumental to overall health and well-being. In practice, podiatrists can specialize in a variety of areas from sports medicine to pediatrics to surgery. They work in a variety of settings including private practices, clinics, hospitals, and educational environments. Many podiatrists own their own businesses. Podiatrists receive specialized medical and surgical training and board certification in the care of the lower extremity.

For more information on podiatrists go to www.apma.org or www.todayspodiatrist.com

Podiatrists are health professionals who diagnose and treat medical and surgical problems and injuries of the feet and ankles, such as corns, warts, plantar fasciitis, bunions, or hammer toes. They also perform reconstructive surgery.

Podiatrists provide extended care for people who need it, such as those with foot problems caused by diabetes.

Podiatrists must have at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study and then go to a 4-year college of podiatric medicine. After receiving their podiatry degree, most podiatrists spend another 2 to 4 years in a hospital-based residency program. Podiatrists can be board-certified through the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Certification is not required in every state.

Podiatrists are highly trained physicians and surgeons focusing on the foot and ankle. They can specialize in surgery, wound care, biomechanics, sports medicine, diabetic foot care and dermatology. Podiatrists complete four years of medical training followed by residency (which can be anywhere from 2-4 years). 

Most podiatrists now prefer to think of themselves as "foot and ankle surgeons." Since Podiatry has evolved so greatly over the past 20 years, there is still quite a bit of outdated information out there. Many times, even advanced surgeries such as ankle replacements or fracture care are best performed by a podiatric surgeon. Most states allow podiatrists to treat by any medical and surgical means-all disorders of the foot and ankle.

Podiatrists specialize in the medical, surgical, and orthopedic management of foot and ankle disorders. They complete four years of podiatric medical school and earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree. Podiatrists go on to complete two to three years of hospital residency training, with an emphasis on foot and ankle surgery.