What is a Podiatrist and Podiatry?

A podiatrist (DPM) is a doctor of Podiatric Medicine, podiatric physician or surgeon, and sometimes referred to as a “Foot Doctor.” They diagnose and treat conditions of the ankle, foot, and interrelated structures of the leg. The next time someone asks, “What is a podiatrist”, you can refer him or her to this page and share this post.

Podiatry deals with the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that are related to the feet, ankles and how these conditions could affect the legs. A registered practitioner has received a doctorate in Podiatric Medicine and is called a podiatrist or podiatric surgeon.

Are Podiatrists Doctors?

Podiatrists are qualified doctors who specialize in the field of foot care. They usually receive training from podiatric educational institute that consists of 4 years of training before completing 3 years of residency in a hospital. Podiatrists can choose to further specialize in foot medicine in the following ways:

• Surgery
• Pediatrics (Children)
• Sports Medicine (mostly related to injury)
• Care for Diabetics
• Foot Related Disease

When Do You Need A Podiatrist?

You may need to visit a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of the following:

• If you have regular and constant pain in your feet and/or ankle joints.
• When you notice a change in the texture or color of the skin on your feet.
• If there is a change in texture or color of your toenails.
• When you notice extreme build-up of skin on the heels and balls of your feet that result in cracks that are painful or itchy.
• If you have uncomfortable bumps or blisters on your feet that could point to a bacterial infection.
• You notice a thickening of your toenails that causes discomfort.
• There is constant pain in the heel of your foot that is combined with numbness, tingling, fever and redness that is not relieved by pain medication.
• Circulatory diseases and diabetes cause increased risk factors for foot diseases such as Athlete’s Foot as well as extreme bacterial infections.

Specialized Podiatry

Specialized podiatry includes:

Children/Pediatrics Pediatric Podiatrists

Foot development takes place mainly in the first year of life. Given that the foot has one of the most complicated structures in the human body and that the foot is likely to grow to almost half its adult size in a child’s first year, this is the most important part of podiatry ensuring that the foot is properly formed.

Podiatry and Sports Medicine

Podiatry specializing in the field of sports medicine mostly deals with injuries, especially those that are consistent with impact. People of all ages can benefit from diagnosis and treatment from a specialist in the field if they are very active.

Aging Foot and Ankle Care for the Elderly and Seniors

While it is common for foot problems to become more apparent as people age, these problems could point to underlying medical conditions of a more serious nature. These medical conditions could include:

• Arthritis
• Nerve tissue damage
• Diabetes
• Circulatory Issues

These conditions above are often present in the feet first and are a good way to provide a diagnosis.

Dr Mikkel Jarman provides individualized attention you deserve. If you are experiencing any type of ankle, heel, or foot pain contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mikkel Jarman, Podiatrist in Phoenix, Gilbert area of Arizona. Please share this post about “What is a Podiatrist” with your family, friends, business associates.