Podiatry
Podiatrists hold a doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degrees. They are the foremost authorities and medical specialists of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatric physicians provide 39% of all foot care and, according to the Health Care Financing Administration, perform nearly 80% of the foot surgeries performed in the U. S. annually. The following list includes some common conditions that podiatrists often diagnose and treat:
- Ankle injuries
- Athlete’s foot
- Bunions
- Diabetic foot problems
- Ganglions
- Hammertoes
- Heel/arch pain
- Ingrown/fungal toenails
- Neuromas
- Sprains/strains
- Warts
Podiatrists may prescribe orthotic devices and medication and may perform inpatient or outpatient surgical procedures to treat podiatric conditions.
There are many types of podiatry specialties, including the following:
- Pediatric Podiatry
- Podiatric medicine and orthopedics
- Podiatric surgery
- Sports medicine and biomechanics
- Wound care