INTRODUCTION:

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is to the foot what a dentist is to the mouth, or an ophthalmologist to the eye --- a doctor specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders resulting from injury or disease. A DPM makes independent judgments, prescribes medications and performs surgery. The human foot has a complex interrelation with the rest of the body, which means that it may be the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Since the podiatric physician is often the first to detect symptoms of these disorders, he or she becomes a vital and sometimes lifesaving link in the health care team.

WHAT DOES A DOCTOR OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE DO?

• Diagnoses of foot ailments, such as tumors or ulcers, fractures, skin or nail diseases, and congenital or acquired deformities;
• Treats deformities, such as flat or weak feet and foot imbalance, using mechanical and electrical methods;
• Treats conditions, such as corns, calluses, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, arch problems, shortened tendons, cysts, bone disorders, and abscesses, sometimes by surgical methods;
• Fits corrective inserts called orthotics, designs plaster casts and strappings to correct deformities, and designs custommade shoes;
• Designs flexible casting for immobilization of foot and ankle fractures, sprains, or other injuries;
• Design mechanical devices to correct walking patterns, and balance, and to promote the overall ability to move about more efficiently and comfortably;
• Provides individual consultations to patients concerning continued treatment of disorders and preventive foot care;
• Refers patients to other physicians when symptoms observed in the feet indicate disorders, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or kidney disease.
  

WHERE DO PODIATRIC PHYSICIANS WORK?

In addition to the many geographic choices available to the podiatric physician (DPM' s are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico), there are a variety of settings or types of practices from which to choose:

• Private or group practices
• Health Maintenance Organizations
• Preferred Provider Organizations
• Hospitals and extended care facilities
• U.S. Public Health Services
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Officers in the Armed Forces
• Municipal Health Departments

• Faculties of health professions schools
  

Return to Home Page