Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower leg.
The term “podiatry” came into use first in the early 20th century United States where it now denotes a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), a specialist who is qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.
Within the field of podiatry, practitioners can focus on many different specialty areas, including surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics or primary care.
Pathological Conditions:
Skin Conditions – Athlete’s foot, warts, infections, cracked heels, soft tissue masses, ingrown toenails, foreign, and fungus.
Neurological Conditions – Diabetic neuropathy, tarsal tunnel, morton’s neuroma, numbness, nerve entrapment, and drop feet.
Musculoskeletal Bone Conditions – Bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, and fractures.
Muscle Tendon Conditions – Flat feet, plantar fasciitis, sprains, strains, tendon ruptures or tears.
Circulatory Conditions as They Pertain to Lower Extremity – Phlebitis DVT or superficial phlebitis, venous insufficiency ischemic changes, leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, and non-healing wounds leading to foot amputations.
Other Podiatric Conditions – Gout, congenital conditions etc.
