Monday, 08 June 2020 00:00

Number Of Years Of School Required To Practice Podiatry

The initials "DPM" are used after a student’s name when mandatory schooling is finished to become a podiatrist. After a bachelor’s degree is acquired, four years of medical school is required, followed by three years of residency training. After what typically amounts to 11 years of schooling and training, only then are the doctors allowed to go into private practice. Podiatrists specialize in disorders of the foot and ankle. These can include foot wounds, cracked heels, and the arthritic condition that is known as gout, among others. Some podiatrists specialize in surgery to correct foot deformities, while others do not. These conditions can consist of bunions, hammertoe, and various types of infections related to the foot. No matter what is wrong with your foot, a podiatrist is going to be the right specialist to consult with.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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