What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist, DPM, doctor of podiatric medicine, is the only health care professional whose total training focuses on the ankle, foot and related body systems.
As a professional in foot care, the podiatrist receives extensive training in the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of ankle and foot disorders by surgical and medical means. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, the podiatric doctor spends four years in a college of podiatric medicine to obtain a doctorate degree.
Most podiatrists further their education by participating in a post-graduate residency program at an approved university or hospital. Following their doctorate degree, each podiatrist must pass state and national exams to be licensed by the state in which he or she will practice.
The podiatric physician treats any foot problem, regardless of ages. The common disorders include heel pain/spurs, bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, calluses and corns. The podiatric physician also renders care of infections, sprains, fractures, and injuries of the foot, heel and ankle.