What Does a Podiatric Physician Do?

Podiatric medicine, Selin Sakarcan explains, is the branch of medicine that deals primarily with diagnosing and treating injuries, disorders, problems, and issues of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Some of the most common issues that podiatric physicians treat include ingrown toenails, athlete's foot, bunions, corns and calluses, heel spurs, and plantar warts. Less common conditions that podiatric physicians treat include fractures of the foot or ankle, tendon ruptures, and nerve compression syndrome.

Selin Sakarcan points out that podiatric physicians treat various conditions. However, the job description for these physicians is primarily to provide foot and ankle treatment. In addition, podiatric physicians diagnose and treat people who suffer from diabetic foot, bone infections (osteomyelitis), ruptured tendons (Achilles' tendon rupture), hammertoes, and aching arches.

Becoming a podiatric physician

Podiatric physicians must have a DPM or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree through an accredited podiatric medical college before taking the state's licensing examination. The American Association for Medical Review Officers has compiled a list of 22 helpful tips for medical licensing exams.

All in a day's work

A podiatry primary care physician takes a patient's history, performs a physical exam, and makes the final diagnosis on what is wrong with the foot. Based on this information, they will prescribe medication or refer their patients to other doctors who specialize in bone conditions if needed.

Podiatric physicians are usually in private practice and are required to have a state license in some states.

Selin Sakarcan also notes that podiatric physicians must also be able to recognize foot abnormalities, make diagnoses based on their findings, and prescribe medication to treat these conditions. Additionally, they must acknowledge the need for referrals to other medical professionals for further treatment of these conditions, refer patients to a specialist if necessary, complete insurance forms, and follow up on their patients' progress.

Podiatric doctor Selin Sakarcan writes about her work and health in general on this page.