Podiatry
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and functions of the human foot by medical and surgical methods. Because many diseases are often shown by symptoms in the feet, the podiatrist frequently sees patients afflicted with disorders like diabetes, arthritis, immunodeficiencies, and circulatory problems.
A podiatrist is responsible for the medical and surgical treatment of the foot. They treat all foot problems including corns, bunions, hammertoes, problems with tendons and ligaments, bone disorders and complications from diabetes. If you suffer from any foot problems, you should immediately see a podiatrist. They may be symptoms of a disease that if not treated quickly may develop into serious health problems. The podiatrist must complete a minimum of four years of medical school and three years of residency before receiving the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine. Many podiatrists obtain advanced training during a residency at a hospital.
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) practices the medical, surgical, and biomechanical treatment of the human foot, ankle, and associated structures. Although we specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems affecting the foot and ankle, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine are also highly trained health care providers. We see people of all ages and are often the first medical specialists to diagnose systemic problems that affect the feet and ankles such as diabetes, gout, hypertension, immunodeficiencies, and arthritis. Four years of medical school is typically followed by two or three years of residency that certifies these doctors to function as partners in the larger medical community. Podiatric physicians (podiatrists) are the only medical professionals who exclusively specialize in treating the foot and ankle.
What does a podiatric physician do?
A podiatric physician diagnoses lower extremity pathology such as tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and congenital and acquired deformities. They make independent judgments, prescribes medications, utilizes x-rays, MRI, ultrasound and other laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, and orders physical therapy. They treat conditions such as: corns, calluses, bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, ingrown nails, cysts, bone disorders, and infections of the foot. They fit corrective inserts called Orthotics that address walking patterns to improve the overall ability of effective and efficient ambulation. They also provide consultations for the patient and for referring physicians regarding prevention of podiatric problems and possible treatments.
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