Podiatrists are highly trained doctors that specialize in all aspects of foot and ankle conditions. They are independent specialists capable of evaluating, assessing, prescribing medications, ordering tests, ordering medical equipment, and administering treatments for foot and ankle related conditions. A podiatrist is adept in assessing conditions that could either be isolated at the foot and ankle, or just beginning from that point waiting to negatively affect the rest of your body. They are the primary care doctors of feet who are the first line of defense from foot and leg amputations secondary to conditions such as diabetes, neuropathy, poor blood circulation, cancer, melanoma, foot infections, or out of control foot wounds. They provide preventative services especially to high-risk patients, ensuring their continued mobility, and extending their lives from potentially life-threatening conditions commonly missed by other doctors and specialists. Podiatrists are also responsible to help alleviate foot and ankle pain to maintain and improve quality of life through various conservative or surgical treatment options available at their disposal.
Becoming a podiatrist requires going through extensive education and training for foot and ankle diseases to provide effective treatment options. However, they must also have a deep understanding of the entire body and how certain processes can either directly or indirectly impact their feet. To practice as a podiatrist, they must first obtain a bachelor's degree. Then they must attend four years of an accredited podiatric medical school to graduate with a degree in Doctor of Podiatric Medicine(DPM). Course requirements for obtaining a DPM degree during those four years include but is not limited to anatomy, pathology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, neurology, biomechanics, surgery, histology, microbiology, dermatology, radiology, sports medicine, infectious disease, vascular medicine, general medicine, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. After successfully graduating with a DPM degree, they are required to receive additional training from an accredited three year residency program rotating through various specialty departments that include internal medicine, emergency medicine, vascular surgery, anesthesiology, podiatric surgery, pathology, physical therapy, dermatology, infectious disease, wound care, and radiology. Once successfully completing the necessary residency training, they must obtain a license from the State Medical Board where they wish to practice. After that point, they are able to provide their services in a hospital setting and/or in an outpatient clinic. Some have offered their services through nursing home facilities, or by making house calls in specific regions. Overall, it can take approximately 11 years to become a podiatrist after high school.
If you are suffering from foot or ankle issues that are keeping you from living your life to its fullest, then call your local podiatrist and schedule an appointment for an evaluation.