A podiatrist is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, everything from skin infections to broken bones. After we complete our undergraduate medical school training, podiatrists attend graduate school and get a doctorate degree in podiatry. We take state and national exams, and are licensed in each state where we practice.
What podiatrists do:
- Consult with patients on how to prevent foot problems
- Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities
- Perform surgeries to fix problems like bunions, hammertoes, fractures, infections, and ruptured ligaments and tendons
- Perform diagnostic procedures like ultrasound, LASER, dopplar, and lab tests
- Create and fit patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns