Podiatry is a field of medicine that improves
the health and well being of individuals by focusing on preventing,
diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot
and ankle. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) are physicians
and surgeons who practice on the lower extremities - the foot
and ankle. The preparatory education of DPMs usually consists
of a four-year undergraduate education, then a four year accredited
podiatric medical school, followed by a hospital based residency.
Issues with the feet are among American's most-common health
ailments or concerns. Studies show that approximately 7 out of
every 10 Americans will experience foot problems at some point
their lives. There are a number of systemic diseases or conditions
that may affect the feet, including - but not limited to - diabetes,
circulatory disorders, arthritis and neurological problems.
Some of the more common foot problems include:
- Athlete's foot infection
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Corns and calluses
- Heel pain or heel spurs
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal nails
- Neuromas
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Plantar warts
