What Is Podiatry And What Does A Podiatrist Do?
What is a podiatrist? A podiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower leg injuries and conditions. They diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, fractures, and sprains. Podiatrists also perform surgery, prescribe medications, and provide advice on foot and ankle care.
Introduction to Podiatry
Podiatry is a medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. It is a rapidly growing field with increasing demand for qualified practitioners. Podiatrists are one of the few medical specialists who are able to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the entire lower extremity.
Podiatrists must complete a four-year doctorate program in podiatric medicine, as well as complete a residency in podiatric medicine and surgery. Podiatrists must also pass a board certification exam to become board-certified.
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
Podiatrists diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Common problems treated by a podiatrist include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, fractures, sprains, and tendonitis. Podiatrists also provide advice on proper foot and ankle care, including proper foot hygiene, orthotics, and footwear.
In addition to treating conditions, podiatrists can perform surgery, prescribe medications, and refer patients to other specialists for further treatment. Podiatrists are also trained in biomechanical and physical therapy modalities, allowing them to provide non-surgical treatments for a variety of conditions.
Education and Training Requirements
In order to become a podiatrist, one must first complete a four-year doctoral program in podiatric medicine. During this program, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the foot, ankle, and lower leg, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions. Following the doctoral program, podiatrists must complete a two-year residency in podiatric medicine and surgery. Upon completion of the residency, podiatrists must pass the board certification exam to become board-certified.
Podiatry Specialties
In addition to the general practice of podiatry, there are several sub-specialties within the field. These include sports medicine, geriatric podiatry, pediatric podiatry, orthopedic podiatry, and wound care. Podiatrists who specialize in sports medicine focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to sports. Geriatric podiatrists specialize in the treatment of conditions related to aging, such as arthritis and diabetic foot care. Pediatric podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting children. Orthopedic podiatrists specialize in the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, such as fractures and sprains. Finally, wound care podiatrists specialize in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, and infections.
Conditions Treated by a Podiatrist
Podiatrists can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Common conditions treated include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, fractures, sprains, and tendonitis. Podiatrists can also provide advice on proper foot and ankle care, including proper foot hygiene, orthotics, and footwear.
In addition to treating conditions, podiatrists can perform surgery, prescribe medications, and refer patients to other specialists for further treatment. Podiatrists are also trained in biomechanical and physical therapy modalities, allowing them to provide non-surgical treatments for a variety of conditions.
Benefits of Being a Podiatrist
Being a podiatrist offers a variety of benefits, both professionally and financially. Podiatrists are in high demand, with an expected growth rate of 21 percent through 2026. Podiatrists are also well-compensated, with an average salary of $143,000 per year.
Another benefit of being a podiatrist is the ability to make a difference in the lives of patients. Podiatrists are able to offer relief from debilitating foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions, providing patients with improved quality of life.
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for podiatrists is expected to grow at a rate of 21 percent through 2026. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median salary for a podiatrist is $143,000 per year.
Common Podiatrist Treatments
Common treatments offered by a podiatrist include stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, and lifestyle modifications. Podiatrists may also recommend medications, such as anti-inflammatory medications, to reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases, podiatrists may recommend surgery or other treatments.
Conclusion
Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower leg injuries and conditions. Podiatrists must complete a four-year doctorate pro
gram in podiatric medicine and a two-year residency in podiatric medicine and surgery. Podiatrists are able to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, fractures, and sprains. Podiatrists can also provide advice on proper foot and ankle care, perform surgery, and prescribe medications.
Being a podiatrist offers a variety of benefits, both professionally and financially. The job outlook for podiatrists is expected to grow at an impressive rate of 21 percent through 2026. Additionally, the median salary for a podiatrist is $143,000 per year.
If you are interested in becoming a podiatrist, you should be prepared to commit to a rigorous educational program. However, the rewards of being a podiatrist are significant, as you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your patients.
If you have any questions about what a podiatrist does, or if you are considering becoming a podiatrist, we recommend that you contact a podiatrist in your area.
