podiatrie

Podiatry is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. It encompasses medical, surgical, and rehabilitative approaches and covers a range of conditions from skin and nail diseases to complex deformities and injuries. The field also emphasizes biomechanics, gait analysis, and diabetic foot care.

Education and regulation of podiatrists vary by country. Most practitioners complete a degree such as Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) or Doctor of Podiatry, followed by residency training. Licensure and, in some places, board certification are required to practice. In some jurisdictions the term chiropody is used historically or concurrently for foot care; some professionals are referred to as podiatrists or podiatric surgeons when engaged in surgical work.

Practice settings include hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and private practice, often within multidisciplinary teams with orthopedic surgeons, endocrinologists, physical therapists, and pedorthists. Podiatrists provide preventive care, diagnose and treat infections, perform minor and major foot and ankle surgeries, manage diabetic foot ulcers, treat sports injuries, correct deformities with orthotics or surgery, and advise on footwear and orthotics.

The word podiatry derives from Greek pod- “foot” and iatreía “medical treatment.” The field has evolved with advances in imaging, wound care, and minimally invasive techniques, expanding the role of podiatrists in patient-centered musculoskeletal care.