A Podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), also known as podiatric physicians and surgeons, qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and structures of the leg. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the foot and ankle. Given its specialization, podiatry is to the foot and ankle what ophthalmology is to the eye or cardiology is to the heart. Whether it sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology or diabetes, today's podiatrist can tackle the many diverse facets of foot care.
Podiatrist are often the first to identify systemic diseases in patients, such as diabetes and associated complications, high blood pressure and heart disease. Podiatrist can perform surgery, prescribe medications, set fractures and treat sports-related injuries, prescribe and fit orthotics, insoles and custom made shoes, take and interpret x-rays and other imaging studies.