A PODIATRIST is a medical doctor who deals with diagnostics, treatment and prevention of deseases in the human foot. Individuals suffering from foot or ankle problems may consult a podiatrist to have their feet examined.
A Podiatrist primarily focuses on the total care of the foot and ankle. Working with a team of medical specialists responsible for good foot helath, podiatrists manage foot and lower extremity problems. Podiatrists may refer patients to otheropedists, vascular surgeons, and other neuromuscular physians and physical therapists for podiatry care and treatment.
Podiatrists must complete four years of undergraduate study, and four years in a college of podiatric medicine - additionally, they may have to have up to three years in a post-graduate residency program as well.
Acting within their scope of practice, podiatrists have completely independent and unlimited surgical, pharmaceutical medical authority. A podiatrist is especially helpful to patients suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as the podiatrist is usually the first physician to detect these sometimes serious and life-threatening diseases.
To learn more about podiatry, or if you are interested in finding a reputable podiatrist, please feel free to peruse our consumer resources' directory at HolisticJunction.com
Podiatrist