Podiatry is a branch of medical science that deals with the lower half of the body, particularly the legs and feet. They are sometimes involved in diagnosing issues of the lower abdomen too. Popularly known as foot doctors, they specialize in issues of the ankles, the feet palm, and the toes and fingers of the feet.
The feet and ankles form one of the most important parts of our body. They perform functions of locomotion and skill development, such as dancing and athletics. These limbs are used greatly in our everyday life. Due to the serious use of our feet and ankles, they are also more prone to injuries and pains. To manage these ailments, podiatry comes to the rescue.
Podiatrists can be involved in different branches of the field, such as specializations in wound care, paediatrics, sports medicine, diabetes, and surgery. They analyze the conditions of the feet and diagnose any ailments or disorders that may be present. They also provide treatment for these ailments through exercises, special footwear, and improve the patient’s mobility. They are responsible for performing foot surgeries if required, which can range from fracture repairs to correcting foot deformities. It is a growing field in medicine that offers good career opportunities.