Podiatry is the only medical specialty devoted to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower leg disorders.

A Podiatrist, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.),  is a physician trained in the medical and surgical alleviation and correction of foot and ankle problems such as:

Podiatrists are often the first medical specialists to diagnose systemic problems that affect the feet and ankles such as diabetes, gout, hypertension, immunodeficiences and arthritis.

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Typically, Podiatrists consult with the patient and other physicians on how to prevent foot problems.

Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities.

Prescribe therapies, medications, and perform diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and other laboratory tests.

Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as hammertoes, clawtoes, bunions, fractures, infections, ruptured Achilles and other ligaments and tendons, lesions, and neuro-vascular abnormalities of the foot.

Prescribe or fit patients for custom shoes, particularly those with diabetes, and corrective shoe inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.

Treat conditions such as bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), ingrown nails, and infections of the foot.

Provide consultations for the patient and for referring physicians regarding prevention of podiatric problems and possible treatments.

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The preparatory education of most Podiatrists includes four years of undergraduate study, an acceptable grade point average and acceptable scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).  Required courses include biology, chemistry and physics.

Preparatory education is followed by four years of study in an accredited podiatric medical school, followed by a hospital-based residency.

Residents receive advanced training in podiatric medicine and surgery, and perform clinical rotations in the following:

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Board certification in podiatry requires advanced training, written and oral examinations, and practice experience. Podiatrists may be board-certified in orthopedics, primary medicine, or surgery.