What is the scope of practice for podiatrist?
Scope of Practice for Podiatrist
Podiatrists, also known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), are healthcare professionals who are licensed to diagnose and treat problems of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists have a wide scope of practice that includes:
* Medical treatment: Podiatrists can prescribe medications to treat foot and ankle problems, such as antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatories for pain and swelling, and antifungal medications for fungal infections. They can also use injections to deliver medication directly to the affected area.
* Surgical treatment: Podiatrists can perform a variety of surgeries to correct foot and ankle problems, such as bunionectomies to remove bunions, hammertoe surgeries to correct toe deformities, and ankle arthroscopy to repair damaged tissue.
* Physical therapy: Podiatrists can use physical therapy to treat foot and ankle problems, such as exercises to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the foot, range-of-motion exercises to improve joint flexibility, and massage to relieve pain and swelling.
* Custom orthotics: Podiatrists can create custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts that help to correct foot alignment and balance. Orthotics can be used to treat a variety of foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and shin splints.
* Education and prevention: Podiatrists can also provide education and prevention services to help patients avoid foot and ankle problems. This may include teaching patients about proper foot care, how to choose the right shoes, and how to avoid injuries.
In addition to the above, podiatrists may also:
* Prescribe and manage custom-made shoes.
* Conduct research on foot and ankle problems.
* Teach at podiatric medical schools.
Podiatrists are required to complete a four-year podiatric medical school program accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) and a postgraduate residency program. After completing their residency, podiatrists must pass the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) examination in order to become licensed to practice.
Podiatrists are an important part of the healthcare team. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians, orthopedists, and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with foot and ankle problems.