A podiatrist specializes in treating problems that affect the feet, such as arch problems, bunions, callouses, corns, heel spurs, and ingrown toenails.

They also treat injuries and deformities involving the ankle or foot, perform surgical procedures, and fit their patients for corrective footwear inserts.

The work of a podiatrist may also involve ordering laboratory tests and X-rays. They may use massage or physical therapy to treat some conditions. Podiatrists can prescribe medications or suggest that their patients exercise to help relieve symptoms of foot problems. Some foot problems may indicate more serious medical condition, such as heart trouble or diabetes, and in those cases, the podiatrist will refer the patient to a medical doctor for consultation. Most podiatrists work in private practice, but some of them find work in hospitals or medical clinics.

If you are interested in this type of work, you will need to have good communication skills as well as good manual dexterity. A usual work week will be about 40 hours, including some evening and weekend work to accommodate patients' schedules.

Podiatrist Training

After completing a minimum of three years of undergraduate work, you would apply to podiatry school. The program lasts for four years, and graduates receive a doctor of podiatric medicine degree (DPM). The first two years of the course involve classroom learning, and the final two are spent in a clinical setting, such as a hospital. A residency of two-four years completes the educational process.

Depending on the state where you intend to practice, you would either need to write state exams to be licensed or complete a one-year residency and then write the exams.

Salary Information

New podiatrists may set up their own practice on graduation or buy an existing one. Another option is to assist an established podiatrist with his or her practice to gain experience. The median salary for podiatrists is $119,790.

Employment Trends for Podiatrists

The employment prospects for podiatrists are good. As the population ages, there will be a growing demand for healthcare professionals to treat foot problems. Some podiatrists specialize in treating sports-related injuries, and this is also a growing area of specialization.

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