Picture this: A healthcare professional who combines surgical expertise with preventive care to help people maintain mobility and quality of life through specialized foot and ankle care.
Think about the last time you had foot pain that affected your daily activities. A podiatrist is a medical expert who helps restore comfort and function to patients dealing with everything from common conditions like bunions to complex diabetic foot complications.
Currently, there are approximately 11,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States. These professionals serve as essential members of the healthcare team, providing unique expertise in lower extremity care that bridges orthopedics, internal medicine, and primary care.
Total employment: 9,700 (2023)
Common Names for Podiatrists
- Attending Physician
- Doctor Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM and Surgery)
- Foot and Ankle Surgeon
- Podiatric Physician
- Podiatric Surgeon
What Podiatrists Do
Podiatrists focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. Their work combines medical expertise, surgical skills, and patient care to improve mobility. Their core responsibilities include:
- Diagnostic Services: Conduct thorough physical examinations of the feet, ankles, and lower legs, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to assess conditions ranging from minor ailments to complex disorders.
- Surgical Procedures: Perform various surgical interventions to correct deformities, repair injuries, and treat conditions like bone spurs, bunions, and fractures, working in both hospital and outpatient settings.
- Medication Management: Prescribe medications for pain relief, infections, and other foot-related conditions, while also developing comprehensive treatment plans that may include therapeutic interventions.
- Orthotic and Device Fitting: Design, prescribe, and fit custom orthotics and other supportive devices to improve mobility, correct walking patterns, and alleviate foot pain.
- Wound Care and Infection Treatment: Specialize in treating various foot wounds, infections, and complications, particularly in high-risk patients such as those with diabetes or circulatory problems.
- Diabetic Foot Care: Provide specialized care for diabetic patients, including regular assessments, preventive care, and treatment of diabetes-related foot complications such as ulcers and infections.
- Diagnostic Testing: Order and interpret various diagnostic tests, including laboratory work, bone scans, and imaging studies to form comprehensive diagnoses and treatment plans.
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