What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical doctor (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine or DPM) who has completed medical school specific to podiatry and a two-year residency. To understand the foot, podiatrists must receive training in biomechanics, radiography, sports medicine, pharmacology, dermatology, orthopedics, and surgery. Podiatrists do not earn an M.D. or D.O. degree, but rather a D.P.M., which allows them to practice both general medicine and specialized foot care. Podiatrists may elect a specialty in primary care, podiatric surgery, or orthopedics.
Orthopedic podiatrists diagnose and treat problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg while surgeons of podiatry are qualified to operate. Podiatrists are the foremost authority on the human foot and ankle, which consist of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 ligaments and tendons. The nerves, blood vessels, soft tissue, and muscles that link these structures are the support system for most every upright movement – from running, jumping, bicycling, and playing tennis, to walking and standing still.
Podiatrists often see patients with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, blisters, heel spurs, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, warts, corns, calluses and peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. It is important for patients who experience peripheral neuropathy to see a podiatrist regularly for checkups due to the lack of sensation often experienced with this affliction. Injury or infection of the foot can be a serious ailment for a person who has diabetes, leading to a skin or bone infection (osteomyelitis), amputation, and even death.
A podiatrist can treat any of the following conditions:
- Discoloration on the feet – Redness may be a sign of gout, blue or purple may indicate a vein problem, and whiteness can evidence a decreased blood flow.
- Pain that worsens with activity – A stress fracture will continue to worsen with weight. Early treatment of a stress fracture will help the foot to heal more quickly.
- If one foot looks noticeably different from the other – Broken bones, tendon rupture, tendonitis, or infection may be the culprit.
- Swelling in both feet – This may indicate lymphedema.
- Numbness, tingling and burning – These symptoms may be signs of neuropathy. Neuropathy is a symptom of diabetes and needs to be carefully monitored.
- Severe foot pain – Severe pain can be caused by infection, broken bones, deep vein thrombosis, or compartment syndrome.
- A changed mole – A mole that changes, has an irregular shape, or bleeds should be examined for melanoma.
- Flattened arch – A flattened arch could indicate tendon dysfunction, where the bones of the foot are not aligned.
For any type of foot problem or concern about the feet, it is wise to seek medical attention from a primary care physician or podiatrist. Referrals are made by primary doctors for specific problems of the feet. It is wise to select a qualified and reputable podiatrist who is certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Make an appointment and find out if you feel comfortable letting this person handle your healthcare.