About Podiatry
Podiatry is healthcare that centers around the treatment and study of ailments regarding the foot and leg. People who practice podiatry are referred to as podiatrists, although the words chiropodists and podiatric surgeons are also often used. In the United States, medical practitioners who practice podiatry generally have extensive surgical privileges.
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History
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Some of the early evidence of podiatry being practiced is in ancient Egypt. The entrance to Ankmahor's (sixth century vizier) tomb had bas-relief carvings that illustrated work on the feet. A lot of Ancient Egypt experts think that foot care was practiced during all of Egyptian civilization. However, until approximately the turn of the twentieth century, podiatry was considered to be different from organized medicine. However, English chiropodist Lewis Durlacher wanted to change this and tried to establish an association of podiatry practitioners, though it would take yet another century for that to become a reality.
Types
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There are many different types of subdivisions of podiatry that are practiced all over the world. Some of these subspecialties include diabetic foot care, sports medicine, podopaediatrics (the study of children's foot conditions), rheumatology, gerontology, forensic podiatry, percutaneous surgery and reconstructive ankle and foot surgery.
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Expert Insight
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What exactly do those who practice podiatry do? They deal with the prevention, rehabilitation, treatment and diagnosis of disorders of the feet and ankles. They also treat conditions that are bone and joint disorders, like soft tissue and muscular pathologies as well as arthritis, circulatory and neurological disease. They also treat nail disorders, calluses, corns and ingrown toenails.
Theories/Speculation
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If you would like to work in the field of podiatry, there are several areas in which you can work. These areas include clinics, surgery, high risk patient management, biomechanics, private practices, leisure industry, occupational health, retail sector, forensic podiatry, research, or any combination of these fields.
Potential
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If you are interested in studying to become a podiatrist, for education, you should expect to do four years of undergraduate studies, followed by four years at a podiatry school (accredited), and then do a residency at a hospital. Podiatry is a very in-demand field as foot and ankle issues are very widespread and often, these disorders are neglected and ignored.
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