What Is a Podiatrist?

What is a Podiatrist's Job?

Podiatrists are doctors who treat issues that can affect your feet or lower legs. They treat injuries and problems resulting from chronic health conditions such as diabetes. They are often referred to as a podiatric doctor or doctor of podiatric medical.

Are Doctors Really Doctors?

Podiatrists are doctors but they do not attend traditional medical schools. They have their own private schools as well as professional organizations. Additionally, they have "DPM" (doctor of podiatric medical science) in their names in place of "MD" (medical physician).

Podiatrists are able to perform surgeries, fix broken bones, prescribe medications and even request X-rays or lab tests. They usually work in conjunction together with specialists whenever there is a problem that is affecting your lower or feet. Within the U.S., podiatrists are licensed and monitored by states' governments.

In college, students who wish to become podiatrists study biology as well as chemistry and physics in addition to other classes in science to prepare for the podiatry program. The majority of them earn a bachelor's degree in biology or another similar area of science.

They then attend podiatry schools for four years. They examine how the bones, nerves, as well as muscles function to help you move. They also research the diseases and injuries that could affect your feet. This includes how to identify the problem and treat it, and how to repair your feet through surgery, if necessary.