What Are the Education Requirements to Become a Podiatrist?
Tuesday, 01 August 2023 00:00A podiatrist is a physician who treats disorders of the feet and ankles. These can include ailments such as tumors, fractures, and abnormal foot structures. This branch of medicine requires an extensive education, and qualified candidates will have the letters DPM, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, appear after their name once completed. The training begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in a podiatric school for four years. A residency program that takes three years to finish will begin after podiatric school is completed and can give the student experience in working in a hospital or clinic environment. A podiatrist can choose to work in a private office setting or may prefer to work in a hospital or an extended care facility. A podiatrist can have a flexible work week, and this can be a desirable factor in pursuing this field of medicine. If you are interested in becoming a podiatrist, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can address any questions and concerns you may have.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
- Physical therapy
- Drugs
- Orthotic inserts or soles
- Surgery on lower extremity fractures
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.