WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Podiatrist

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 with foot problems caused by diabetes.

Podiatrists must have at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study and then go to a 4-year college of podiatric medicine. After receiving their podiatry degree, most podiatrists spend another 2 to 4 years 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.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.