A podiatrist is a foot doctor who treats the feet and ankles and any of their connecting parts. This type of doctor will have the initials "DPM" standing for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine following their name. A podiatrist must complete four years of study at a podiatric medical school followed by at least three years of residency training at a hospital or clinic. After passing the required exams, a podiatrist will be certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and may desire to undertake further training to specialize in a particular area of foot health. A podiatrist is licensed to practice in the state that they work in, and like all other doctors, they must renew their licenses every few years and keep up to date with training. Most podiatrists treat general foot conditions as would a general practitioner unless they specialize in a particular area like surgery, wound care, or pediatrics. If you experience any pain in your feet or ankles, or if you want to learn about the best types of shoes that should be worn, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for diagnosis, treatment, and general knowledge.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.