Here are some facts about podiatrists and podiatry:
1. Podiatrists should definitely be licensed and have 3-4 years of education. They must also complete 4 years of podiatry school and pass national and state exams.
2. Many Americans spend an enormous amount of time on their feet. Good foot health is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
3. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, “The human foot consists of 26 bones, connected by tough bands of ligaments. Seven rounded tarsal bones (the inner, middle, and outer cuneiform, navicular, cuboid, talus, and calcaneus bones) lie beneath the ankle joint and form the instep Five metatarsal bones form the ball of the foot There are 14 phalanges in the toes (two in the big toe and three in each other) The foot bones form two arches perpendicular arches that normally meet the ground only at the heel and ball of the foot (see flat feet); these arches are found only in humans”.
4. Podiatrists are trained health professionals. They treat bunions along with corns. They also treat calluses, including ingrown nails. They treat arch problems as well as heel spurs and ankle and foot injuries. They also treat infections, deformities; and diabetic foot problems. To address these problems, podiatrists prescribe medication. Podiatrists can repair fractures and order physical therapy, as well as perform surgery. They also take advantage of corrective inserts (orthoses) and design casts and bandages to correct deformities. They even design custom shoes.
5. The foot is often the first place to show signs of serious conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
6. 23 percent of podiatry doctors are self-employed. They also work in private practice, clinics and hospitals. Other podiatrists work in hospitals or are employed by the Federal Government.
7. Some podiatrists can perform Cryosurgery; I work with soft tissue tumors, and Plantar Fasciitis. They can help with heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists perform X-rays (in the office) and diabetic foot exams. They treat Diabetic Neuropathy; Tarsel Tunnel; plantar warts; even ingrown nails. Some podiatrists provide ultrasound in the office. Podiatrists can provide skin graft wound care in the office; and surgical correction of hammertoes.
