Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

If you are suffering from pain in any part of your feet, ankles, or areas of your lower legs, you will want to visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Podiatrists study, diagnose, and treat conditions and injuries affecting your feet, ankles, or areas of your lower legs. Your primary care physician may refer you to a podiatrist if they suspect problems in your feet, ankles, and lower extremities.

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Podiatrists complete a rigorous 4 years of podiatric medical school and then complete a 3-4 year hospital residency that specializes in foot and ankle surgery. After residency, podiatrists are certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists can pursue specialized fellowship training and advanced certifications granted by various institutions. Podiatric surgeons, for example, are podiatrists who specialize in foot surgery. They are qualified or certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Like all doctors, podiatrists must be licensed to practice in the state they work in.

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Conditions Podiatrists Treat

Podiatrists treat people of all ages (children included), and most podiatrists treat a variety of general foot and ankle conditions. These include heel pain, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, bunions, plantar warts, hammertoes, flat feet, neuromas, arthritis, and diabetic foot. Many podiatrists specialize in specific foot concerns or areas of foot medicine. These include bunion removal or correction, wound care, orthotics, sports medicine, fractures, and pediatrics.

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Podiatrists are true foot and ankle specialists. If you have any concerns about your feet, ankles, or lower extremities, consult with a local foot doctor in Philadelphia.