Podiatrists are health professionals who diagnose and treat medical
and surgical problems and injuries of the feet and ankles, such as corns,
warts, plantar fasciitis, bunions, or hammer toes. They also perform
reconstructive surgery.
Podiatrists provide extended care for people who need it, such as
those who have foot problems caused by diabetes.
A podiatrist completes a degree at a college of podiatric medicine after undergraduate college. After receiving
his or her podiatry degree, a podiatrist typically spends time in a
hospital-based residency program.
Podiatrists can be board-certified through
the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Certification is not required in
every state.