Podiatrists specialise in preventing, diagnosing, and treating foot conditions and ailments. They offer medical and surgical solutions for everything from sports injuries to diabetes.
As with most doctors, podiatrists must complete an undergraduate degree before entering medical school. Most often, this will involve majoring in either physics, biology, or chemistry as a first step.
Podiatric Medical Education
Podiatrists are physicians specialising in medical care for feet and their associated structures. Podiatrist training includes intensive classroom and laboratory work in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and patient care, typically taking four years before culminating with their Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree.
Most states also mandate that podiatrists in Woodville complete at least one year of postgraduate residency training after four years of podiatric medical school education. Residency programs give podiatrists hands-on experience with medical and surgical procedures and provide an interdisciplinary education with rotations including internal medicine, pediatrics, infectious disease management, emergency services and surgery.
As part of their residency training, podiatrists undergo additional studies in different subspecialties such as sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, foot and ankle surgery and neurology – helping them find one which best matches their interests.
Once podiatrists in Woodville have completed their postgraduate residency, they may seek board certification in a particular subspecialty. Acquiring this accreditation can increase their career opportunities and pay.
Podiatric doctors can practice in private offices, hospitals or long-term care facilities. Additionally, they teach at schools of medicine and serve as commissioned officers in military or public health departments.
As soon as they graduate from an accredited college of podiatric medicine, students must complete a three-year Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) residency program to become licensed DPM practitioners and obtain their DPM degrees. Alongside their medical training, podiatrists must pass national licensing exams and examinations specific to their home state.
In the podiatric medical education program, students gain hands-on experience dealing with foot and ankle disorders from experienced teachers and professionals. Students learn the necessary skills to treat patients, perform X-rays and diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, order physical therapy sessions and set fractures.
Podiatric Diagnosis
Podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet, ankles and lower legs. In addition, they work closely with their patients on preventative care strategies to protect them against disease or injuries related to their feet and legs.
A podiatrist can assist in diagnosing your condition and devise a personalised treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Depending on your problem, they may prescribe medications, suggest stretching and strengthening exercises for foot and leg muscles or provide other therapy services.
Your podiatrist will conduct a complete evaluation of your medical history and physical exam to ascertain your condition. Imaging tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds may also be performed for additional clarity on your feet. They may even ask you to walk so they can assess your gait (how you walk).
Your physician will use this information to assess your symptoms and decide the most effective course of action for your health, possibly suggesting surgery if your condition warrants it.
Those living with diabetes should consult a podiatrist regularly to keep their feet in top condition and ensure blood sugar levels stay within normal range, thus protecting themselves against damage to both feet and other parts of their bodies.
Podiatric physicians possess extensive training and board certification to diagnose and treat conditions affecting feet, ankles and lower legs. In addition, podiatric physicians are often the first to recognise foot issues as indicators of other diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular issues.
The foot is an intricate system composed of bones, tendons, ligaments and tissues, which must work in unison to support your body and avoid pain and other issues. When this doesn’t happen properly, however, complications arise, which could cause discomfort and even health problems.
Morton’s neuroma is a condition whereby nerve damage occurs between your foot’s third and fourth bones, leaving your feet feeling numb and painful. Symptoms include pain as well as a burning sensation in your feet.
Your doctor can prescribe medicines, stretches or exercises to increase the flexibility and strength of your foot, recommend shoes that fit comfortably, and custom-made shoe inserts called orthotics, which can change walking habits and relieve pressure off your feet.