A podiatrist, DPM, doctor of podiatric medicine, is the only health care professional whose total training focuses on the foot, ankle and related body systems. As a specialist in foot care, the podiatrist receives extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle disorders by medical and surgical means. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, the podiatric doctor spends four years in a college of podiatric medicine to obtain a doctorate degree.
The podiatric physician cares for people of all ages, treating any foot problem. The common disorders include bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. The podiatric physician also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel.
Podiatric Medicine is the branch of medicine which medically and surgically manages care of the lower extremity. The podiatric physician is a health professional who is involved with examination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders by physical, medical, and surgical means. He/she is trained to detect the signs of general bodily disorders which may appear first in the lower extremity, such as diabetes or circulatory disorders. When such diagnoses are made, the podiatrist consults with the patient's family doctor concerning continuing treatment.