Who is a podiatrist?
Podiatric physicians or doctors of podiatric medicine are healthcare providers who help with problems affecting the feet, lower legs, ankles, and related structures of the leg. They help prevent, diagnose, and treat lower extremity disorders, diseases, and injuries. The US federal government defines podiatrists as physicians.
Podiatrists study how bones, nerves, and muscles work in tandem to help you move. They also receive training in performing surgery and resetting broken bones. They often work closely with other specialists, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, pediatricians, and specialists in infectious diseases.
When should you see a podiatrist?
Multiple health conditions can damage your feet if not timely diagnosed and treated. It would be best if you visited a foot doctor near you in the following cases:
- Foot pain, swelling, numbness, tingling
- Open foot sore, wound, or infection followed by a fever
- Thick or discolored toenails
- Wart-like growths on your foot
- Redness or swelling in your ankle or toe joints
- Athlete's foot, which is a chronic condition caused by fungal or bacterial infections
- Ingrown toenails, if not treated on time, can cause infections, pain, and inflammation
- Heel pain, which might be a result of arthritis, bone spur, or an injured tendon
- Corns or calluses, especially if the built-up skin is too harsh and thick
- A bunion, or a hard and lumpy bump formed outside your big toe
You can also see a podiatrist if you plan to undertake a physically rigorous activity or want to switch to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Before starting any sports, exercises, etc., consulting a doctor can help prevent sudden injuries or foot pain and swelling.
Training and education of podiatrists
Although doctors by qualification, podiatrists do not attend traditional medical school. Aspiring podiatrists with an undergraduate degree must apply to an accredited podiatric medical college via the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Only nine colleges in the US offer a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. The four-year medical program involves theoretical courses in anatomy and pathology and clinical rotations for hands-on experience. Admission requirements for these programs include English language proficiency and prior experience shadowing podiatric doctors.
After obtaining a DPM degree, aspirants must finish three years of residency training. Podiatric graduates often select a 36-month Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR). During the residency, they focus on a specialization such as surgery, wound care and management, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports medicine, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care. Podiatric physicians are the only doctors in the US who receive specialized medical and surgical training and board certification in lower extremity care.
Podiatrists must pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE) during their training. The exam comprises four parts, three of which must be completed in medical school and one at the start of the residency. After obtaining medical licensure, they receive board certification from one of the following before they can practice:
- American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS)
- American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM)
- American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (ABMSP)
The certification depends on exams and work experience. Depending on the board, podiatrists might have to write one or multiple exams. To maintain their license to practice, podiatrists must receive continuing medical education throughout their careers.
Are podiatrists doctors?
Yes, podiatrists are doctors but do not receive the same training as regular doctors. They do not attend a traditional medical school like other healthcare practitioners. They have their professional associations and schools.
Also, unlike medical doctors with the initials MD, podiatrists have a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) after their names.
Podiatrists can conduct surgeries, prescribe drugs, order X-rays or lab tests, reset broken bones, treat ingrown toenails, etc.
They closely work with other specialists to manage and treat issues in your feet or lower legs. Podiatrists are regulated and licensed by state governments in the United States of America.
What can you expect from the podiatrist near you?
Visiting a podiatrist is like going to any other health care practitioner. The practitioner will first ask you about your medical history, medications, and any surgeries you have undergone.
The podiatrist will then look at how you stand and walk. They will check the motion in your joints and whether your feet fit in your shoes. During your first visit to a podiatrist, the doctor will most likely treat ingrown toenails, bunions, lower back and heel pain, foot deformities, blood circulation if you have diabetes, etc.
Depending on your diagnosis, the podiatrist will suggest padding, orthotics, or physical therapy to treat your condition. They can also treat some of these in their office using tools such as nail splitters or a nail anvil to treat ingrown toenails, syringes to administer pain medication, etc. If you have calluses or corns, the doctor may use scalpels to remove parts of it or to cut into the skin near the toenail. Many podiatrists also use cryotherapy equipment, such as liquid nitrogen, to freeze off plantar warts.
Which foot disorders does a podiatrist treat and how?
During consultation, a podiatric physician can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan focusing on treating your unique case.
Based on the symptoms, they can diagnose foot ailments like tumors, ulcers, fractures, and skin or nail diseases. They can look for congenital or acquired deformities such as weak feet and foot imbalance. They often use innovative methods to treat corns, calluses, bunions, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, arch problems, shortened tendons, cysts, bone disorders, and abscesses.
The podiatric physician may design corrective orthotics, plaster casts, and strappings to correct deformities. They also develop flexible casting to immobilize foot and ankle fractures, sprains, or other injuries. They help restore walking patterns and balance while promoting the ability to move more efficiently and comfortably.
Usually, a podiatric physician works independently using X-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic use, prescribing medications, ordering physical therapy, setting fractures, and performing surgery. However, per your unique case's requirement, the physician may collaborate with other healthcare providers to treat and manage your condition. They might also refer you to other physicians for individual consultations.
How do you keep your feet healthy?
To maintain healthy feet, one must prioritize foot care and personal hygiene. Your feet are constantly at work, supporting your body and enabling you to move. On average, an individual takes about 5000 steps per day or walks 2.5 miles, which emphasizes the need to give proper attention to foot health.
To ensure optimal foot hygiene, consider these detailed foot care tips:
- Thoroughly wash your feet with warm water, cleaning the entire foot. However, avoid soaking your feet for prolonged periods; this can lead to dry skin.
- Moisturize your feet daily using petroleum jelly, cream, or lotion. Avoid the area between your toes to maintain dryness and prevent potential infections.
- Check your foot daily for sores, swelling, infected toenails, and cuts. This practice allows for early identification of any foot issues.
- Pay attention to your choice of footwear. Select well-fitted, fully-covered, and comfortable shoes that provide the necessary support and cushioning. Always avoid footwear that causes discomfort or pain.
- Avoid wearing flats and flip-flops as they do not offer adequate arch support, putting extra strain on your feet.
- Regularly cut or trim your toenails and carefully smooth the edges to prevent them from pushing into the skin and causing an infection.
- Always wear fresh, dry socks to maintain foot hygiene, prevent odor, and minimize the risk of fungal infections.
How to locate the best podiatrists near you in Huntington, NY?
Besides limiting your movement, untreated chronic foot pain can lead to mental health issues and conditions like depression and irritability and hamper daily life. Zocdoc helps you access podiatric care by connecting you with foot doctors near you in Huntington, New York.
Our comprehensive podiatry directory allows you to access the top-rated and experienced podiatrists in your area from the comfort of your home, using an area-specific filter.
Podiatrists listed on Zocdoc from your area, Huntington, New York, are licensed by the State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. Zocdoc offers a unique filter option where you can look for podiatrists who accept your insurance plan. Add your insurance carrier's name in the search query to utilize the feature. If you can't find your medical insurance plan on Zocdoc, upload a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will automatically scan the image and display the plan that is most likely for you. This feature isn't available for dental or vision insurance cards. If you face any issues while uploading the image, don't hesitate to contact Zocdoc's service team for assistance. Additionally, you can check out Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to any further insurance-related queries.
Choose from numerous podiatrists based on their education, specializations, professional experience, and certifications. All doctor profiles of Zocdoc are verified and updated to assist you in making an informed decision. You may also further filter podiatrists based on your case requirement and gender preference.
Once you have chosen a podiatrist near you, Zocdoc assists you in instantly booking an appointment for your first session. You can also book video appointments before live visits to better understand your podiatrist. Look for a purple video icon on your doctor's profile, or filter the video appointment selection.
All bookings with Zocdoc are easy, free, and secure!
Podiatry-related statistical data for Huntington, NY
Public Opinion Research on Foot Health and Care's 2014 survey of 1000 US Adults showed that 8 out of 10 Americans had experienced a foot problem—anything from an ingrown toenail to chronic foot pain. 1.3 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis— 90% of rheumatoid arthritis's symptoms develop in the foot and ankle.
In 2018, the New York State Department of Health released a report that categorized adults with arthritis by county in New York State. As per the findings, New York adults with arthritis stood at 14.8%, whereas in Suffolk County (Huntington is amongst the ten towns), it was 24.2%.
As per the 2018 New York Diabetes-Related Lower Limb Amputation Epidemic report, New York City has witnessed a 55% increase in diabetes-related foot amputations from 2009 to 2016. It also reported a striking 60% increase in diabetes-related amputation in the Bronx and 62% and 57% in Manhattan and Staten Island, respectively.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
The Podiatry Group of South Texas
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
American Podiatric Medical Association
New York State Department of Health
Health People
HealthcareDegree
Align Foot & Ankle Center
