WHAT IS A PODIATRIST?
A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides diagnosis and treatment of the foot, ankle, and related structures. Some of the condition’s podiatrists treat include bunions, heel pain, spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses, sprains, fractures, infections, and other injuries.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are an estimated 18,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country.
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 deformities.
- Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions, fractures, hammertoes, arthritic joints, infections, ruptured Achilles, and other ligaments and tendons.
- Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and lab tests.
- Prescribe or fit patients with inserts called orthotics that correct foot imbalances.
- Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.
