The Role of a Podiatrist

Podiatrists, also referred to doctors of podiatric medicine, examine, diagnose and treat injuries and diseases related to the foot as well as the lower leg. Specific conditions that a podiatrist works to diagnose and treat include corns, calluses, arch issues, ingrown toenails, heel spurs and bunions.

Podiatrists are licensed physicians who have completed three to four years of undergraduate studies in addition to completing a four-year college podiatric program. To become licensed, a podiatrist must achieve passing scores on state and national examinations.

To diagnose problems relating to foot and ankle condition, a podiatrist may need to order laboratory tests and x-rays. The foot is often an area that shows complications of more serious diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. For instance, people who have diabetes are prone to develop foot infections and ulcers as a result of poor circulation. These conditions can lead to foot amputations, so early diagnosis and treatment by a podiatrist is critical.

To treat disorders and conditions relating to the foot and lower leg, a podiatrist may prescribe medications and physical therapy. If a fracture is involved, a podiatrist will set the fracture. Podiatrists also fit corrective shoe orthotics (i.e. shoe inserts) and design casts to correct deformities. Podiatrists work with equipment used to read a person's foot stride, weight distribution and pressure points in order to design the correct orthotic. Lastly, a podiatrist performs surgery when necessary.