A doctor of podiatric medicine, commonly referred to as a podiatrist, diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent injuries and health conditions affecting the lower extremities. All podiatrists are licensed as experts in caring for foot conditions. In some areas, this licensure may also include treatment of the lower legs and ankle areas.
How Does Someone Become A Podiatrist?
While podiatrists follow a different education plan than medical doctors, their education is very similar. They are required to complete a pre-med accredited degree, usually focusing on biology. After undergraduate school, they must complete a four-year degree at an approved podiatric school. Currently, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recognizes nine schools as approved for the study of podiatry. Upon completing their podiatry school degree, podiatry students are required to complete a three-year residency at a hospital. This residency allows them to interact with other medical care teams and staff. This provides them with a more comprehensive range of experience before progressing to a dedicated podiatry clinic or hospital setting.
After completing residency, a podiatry student must pass the National Board Examinations and then obtain a license from their state to practice podiatry. Although a podiatrist is not technically a medical doctor, they are recognized as physicians by the United States due to their rigorous and dedicated education before entering practice. Podiatrists must also renew their state licensure periodically, and some states require them to complete continuing education as well.
While all podiatrists are licensed to care for feet, some also choose to specialize in areas such as sports medicine or pediatrics as a subset of their podiatry practice. If they wish, a doctor of podiatric medicine can obtain advanced certification as a surgeon after their podiatry education.
What Does A Podiatrist Do?
Individuals commonly visit a podiatrist to seek treatment for foot pain or injuries. Some of the conditions a podiatrist may treat include:
- ingrown toenails
- blisters and warts
- corns and calluses
- dry or cracked heel skin
- nail or foot infections
- flat feet, fallen arches, or overlapping toes
- hammertoes and bunions
- heel pain and injuries
- neuromas
- sprains
- arthritis
Podiatrists often work with diabetic patients to care for their foot health and prevent future nerve loss or amputation. While working with a medical team, podiatrists also often help identify cardiovascular disease before other physicians. Foot health is closely tied to the overall well-being of the body.
Podiatric Surgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon; Which Doctor You Need to See
Podiatrists vs. Orthopedic Specialists
Podiatrists focus specifically on the lower legs and feet and the related conditions. Orthopedic specialists are medical doctors who concentrate on the musculoskeletal functions of the entire body. While some orthopedic specialists focus on foot and ankle wellness, a podiatrist typically has more experience in this field due to the specialized nature of their education and practice. If you are unsure of the cause of your foot pain, you probably should see a podiatrist instead of an orthopedist.
A licensed podiatrist can prescribe medicine, set broken bones, make casts, and provide other medical treatments for feet and ankle injuries. They can also supply orthotics, which are individualized supports in shoes that help people walk correctly.
Even healthy individuals should consider a checkup with a podiatrist like Best Foot Doctor NY. We can assess your foot health, offer recommendations on suitable footwear types, and address any concerns or hardened skin you may have. For many conditions, such as corn or callus removal, a procedure can be completed in as little as one office visit. Call us today to schedule a health and wellness appointment for your feet.