The practice of Podiatric Medicine is the diagnosis or medical, surgical, palliative, and mechanical treatment of ailments of the human foot and leg. The practice of Podiatric Medicine is performed by a Podiatrist. A Podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, abbreviated by the intials of DPM, known also as a Podiatric Physician, qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. Podiatric medicine includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lower extremity disorders, diseases and injuries. It includes the use of x-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, prescribing of medications related to foot, ankle, or leg problems, prescribing or performing physical therapy modalities for lower extremity problems, surgery of the foot and leg, the use of biomechanics to diagnose and treat foot, ankle, and leg imbalances, designing and fabricating corrective foot orthotics. Some of the most common conditions treated with Podiatric Medicine include:
- Ingrown toenails
- Heel Spurs
- Heel Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Athlete's Foot
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Fungal Toenails
- Arthritic Foot Pain
- Foot, Ankle, & Leg Injuries
- Neuromas
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Ankle Sprains
- Flat Feet
- Shin Spints
- Sports Injuries
- Gout
- Pain from Bunions, Hammertoes
- Corns & Callouses
- Corrective & Prescription Shoes
- Burning Feet