Celebrating International Podiatry Day
For NY Foot Health, October is a special month. It’s when we recognize International Podiatry Day (October 8th) and a great opportunity to share information about the medical specialty and its importance in your life.
What’s a DPM?
The initials DPM, after a practitioner’s name, stand for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. The practitioner has completed rigorous medical training for the foot and ankle, including four years in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital-based residency training. They are uniquely qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat all podiatric conditions, injuries, and problems.
The Role of the Podiatrist
From a common ingrown toenail to a complex reconstructive foot surgery after an accident, the podiatrist performs various services to make and keep feet healthy. Podiatrists can specialize in many areas, including pediatric or geriatric care, sports medicine, and diabetic care. Your podiatrist has the education, training, and license to do all of the following:
Perform comprehensive physical examinations of the feet, ankles, and lower extremities.
Diagnose podiatric issues and prescribe medications or order physical therapy for treatment.
Take x-rays and other imaging studies and interpret them.
Perform podiatric surgery.
Repair fractures and treat sports-related and other foot and ankle injuries.
Prescribe and fit custom orthotics, custom-made shoes, and other durable medical goods.
In addition, your podiatrist can educate you on how to be proactive about your foot health in many ways, including:
Take and evaluate your medical history to determine if you have a potential genetic predisposition for some podiatric issues, such as bunions, and offer steps you can take to prevent or slow their progression.
Evaluate your gait and wear patterns on your shoes to determine if a biomechanical issue with your feet needs correcting.
Make recommendations regarding footwear to accommodate conditions and vulnerabilities your feet may have.
Provide a basic foot care regimen to protect your feet.
Benefits of Regular Podiatric Visits
Your feet are often an early warning system for diseases and disorders that affect your entire body. Your podiatrist may be able to spot signs of peripheral arterial disease, neuropathy, and other conditions through changes in your feet. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, it is particularly important to see a podiatrist regularly to ensure your feet are healthy.
Want to find a podiatrist in your area? Consult our online directory.
To learn more about taking the best care of your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.