What Services do Podiatrists Provide?

Podiatrists provide a range of services to help patients maintain good foot and ankle health, and they can correct problems that affect a patient’s mobility. Some of the services that podiatrists offer include the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle injuries, management of chronic conditions like diabetes, prescription of orthotics and other medical devices, performance of foot and ankle surgeries, and advice on foot care.

More specifically, a podiatrist can help with:

• Ingrown toenails
• Foot warts
• Bunions
• Achilles tendonitis
• Athlete’s foot
• Calluses
• Hammertoes
• Heel spurs
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Diabetic foot care
• Geriatric foot care
• Heel and arch pain
• Skin problems on feet and lower legs
• Balance issues
• And more…

Podiatrists work in various settings, including private practices and hospitals, and often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure that their patients receive comprehensive care.

What to Do to Become a Podiatrist

A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Becoming a podiatrist in the United States requires a combination of education and practical experience. The path to becoming a podiatrist involves several steps that ensure you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality care to patients.

The first step in becoming a podiatrist is to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Once you have completed your bachelor's degree, you will need to attend a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program at a college of podiatric medicine. These programs offer a comprehensive education in podiatric medicine and surgery, including coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and diagnostics.

After completing your DPM program, you will need to pass the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) Part I and Part II exams to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to diagnose and treat conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs.

Upon passing the NBPME exams, you will have to complete a two-year residency program where you will work in a hospital or clinical setting under the supervision of licensed podiatrists, gaining hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients.

Once you have completed your residency, you will need to obtain a license to practice podiatry in the state in which you want to work. It is expected that you remain current in the field by completing continuing education courses. Some podiatrists go above and beyond by obtaining certifications from professional organizations.

Questions? Call Podiatry Centers of Maryland

In short, head to a podiatrist if your feet, ankles, and lower legs are giving you concern. Residents in Maryland can count on Podiatry Centers of Maryland for quality and affordable care.