What is podiatry?
Podiatry is the medical specialty dealing with foot health.
What is a podiatrist?
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) is an expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the foot. In order to become a D.P.M., the aspiring podiatrist must earn an undergraduate degree, often a Bachelor or Master of Science, pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and study for four years at an accredited College of Podiatric Medicine. The first two years of the D.P.M. program emphasize all the broader medical sciences (such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, among many others), while the final two years focus on disorders and treatment of the feet. Following the D.P.M. program, the graduate must pass Medical Board examinations and provincial licensing examinations. Many podiatrists will also complete internships in hospitals or private clinics for post-graduate experience and training.
You do not need a referral from your family physician in order to see a podiatrist.
What is chiropody?
Chiropody is the study and assessment of the foot, treating diseases and associated biomedical disorders of the foot by therapeutic, orthotic and palliative means.
What conditions do podiatrists treat?
Podiatrists diagnose and treat any and all conditions related to the foot. Some common examples of podiatric conditions are problems such as corns, calluses, warts, nail disorders, and athlete's foot; biomechanical conditions such as arch or heel pain, tendonitis, neuroma, and bursitis; diabetic foot concerns; podiatric sports injuries; and the particular foot problems faced by children and the elderly.
Eighty percent of us will experience a foot problem at one time or another, so if you think you might need to consult a podiatrist, then you probably should. Beware of unlicensed and unregulated foot care practitioners and only deal with a licensed Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
Where can I find further information on podiatry and foot health?
Contact your podiatrist or the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association, or visit the following websites:
http://www.epodiatry.com
http://www.podiatrychannel.com
http://www.opma.on.ca
http://www.apma.org