Podiatry is a branch of science that deals with the detection and treating disorders related to the lower leg and foot. Podiatrists are the doctors who are involved in treatment of these disorders. In most cases such disorders are generally painful and weakening.  Podiatrists also work towards restoring the patient’s mobility. Along with the treating problems related to feet, podiatrists are also involved in implementing strategies to prevent risks, give prophylactic treatment that largely reduces need for invasive treatment or hospitalization. They are also involved in devising innovate new therapeutic plans for the patients, to maximize the patient’s mobility and restore normal activity.

Podiatry is used in treating conditions such as calluses, corns, arthritis, fungal infections, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, weak ankles, foot fatigue and other problems affecting mobility. A condition related to feet may also develop as a result of diabetes or developmental abnormalities existing since birth. Podiatrists may prescribe foot orthoses (they fit inside a shoe) for problems like calluses, corns, tendonitis, necrotic ulceration, chronic pain and recurring sprains. It can either be prescribed as a preventive measure or for providing permanent treatment.

A doctor interested in podiatry must complete four years in a recognized medical school, which involve a combination of classroom instructions and laboratory work providing basic training in medical sciences like pharmacology, chemistry, pathology and physiology. In the final two years the emphasis is laid upon clinical rotations in private practices, area hospitals and clinics. The students learn how to take podiatric as well as general medical histories, conduct physical examinations and therapeutic procedures using anaesthesia and surgery. After the completion of the program, the student is awarded a degree in Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. After the completion of the DPM, the most common course is to complete a residency program, offered by hospitals that have been accredited by American Osteopathic Association and the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The residency program involves advanced instructions in surgery and podiatric medicine and generally involves a training period of 1-3 years.

A podiatrist is required to pass the examination set by the state board to qualify and get a licence to practice. All boards mandate advance training, experience in the requisite field and written as well as oral exam. In case a podiatrist needs to renew his license, he is required to keep himself updated through continued attending educational programs as well as seminars conducted in his field of expertise. Many healthcare organizations and managements require board certification. There are two boards which certify podiatrists, American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. These certify the podiatrists in the areas including podiatric orthopaedics, primary podiatric medicine, and podiatric surgery.

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