What is a Podiatrist?
Podiatrists are specialists who diagnose and treat foot and ankle pain and problems including, but not limited to plantar fasciitis, foot and ankle pain, heel pain, foot pain, sprains and fractures, bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, infections, ingrown toenails, warts, corns, and calluses. Podiatrists see patients of all ages including young children through the elderly. In addition to undergraduate education, podiatrists attend graduate school for a doctorate degree in podiatry. Podiatrists are required to take state and national licensing exams.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are nearly 18,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of our aging population. It is estimated that 90 percent of people over the age of 65 will have a significant foot problem requiring medical attention. However, it has also been noted that foot disorders like plantar fasciitis, foot, heel (including plantar fasciitis) and ankle pain are the most neglected health problems affecting people today.
Typically, podiatrists:
· Consult with patients and other doctors on how to prevent foot problems
· Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities
· See patients regularly who are at risk for foot problems including people with diabetes
· Include conservative treatments such as physical therapy, shoe modifications and inserts (orthotics)
· A podiatrist performs surgery to correct bunions, clawtoes, fractures, infections, and acute injuries such as Achilles tendon ruptures or ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, foot and ankle deformities, heel pain, and foot pain.
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