Can you think of a body part
that’s under more stress
than your feet?
Probably not—
and that’s why podiatrists train specifically
to care for patients with all types
of foot problems.
Podiatrists are doctors who focus exclusively
on foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
They examine and diagnose conditions,
perform surgery, prescribe medications,
and order imaging tests.
Some of the common conditions they treat
include corns, calluses, ingrown nails,
shortened tendons, bunions, and cysts.
They may perform surgery to reconstruct the
foot and ankle,
or specialize in areas such as
sports medicine or pediatrics.
They also see many patients with
foot problems caused by diabetes.
Most podiatrists work in podiatrists’ offices.
Some work in group practices
with physicians or specialists,
and others in hospitals
and outpatient surgery centers.
They may work irregular hours
and be on call for urgent cases.
Podiatrists must complete at least 3 years
of undergraduate training in basic sciences,
and most have a bachelor’s degree.
Next, they must complete 4 years
of podiatry school.
They are then required to complete
a 3-year residency program,
and must be licensed.
It is often said that you can tell a lot
about someone’s health by simply
looking at their feet.
This goes to show just how important
podiatrists are for keeping patients healthy,
active, and upright.