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What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is
a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot
and ankle problems, including, but not limited to sprains and fractures,
bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails,
warts, corns and calluses. A podiatrist also renders care of sprains,
fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel.
Four years of undergraduate medical school training and four years
of podiatric medical school to obtain their podiatric medical degree.
Typically, they complete post graduate residency training in podiatric
primary care, orthopededics and/or surgery. Podiatrists are required
to take state and national exams, as well as be licensed by the
state in which they practice.
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| According to the American
Podiatric Medical Association, there are more than 17,800 practicing
podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more
than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition,
according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread
and neglected health problems affecting people in this country. |
Typically, podiatrists... - Consult with the patient and other physicians on how to prevent
foot problems.
- Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail
diseases, and deformities.
- Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions,
clawtoes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, and ruptured Achilles
and other ligaments and tendons.
- Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such
as ultrasound and lab tests.
- Prescribes or fits patients with inserts called orthotics
that correct walking patterns.
- Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns,
calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and
plantar fasciitis.
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