WHAT IS A PODIATRIST?

Podiatrists are physicians who focus on the medical, physical, and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle, and related governing structures.

Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Podiatrist in Nebraska are an integral part of the medicine and surgery in Nebraska. They participate in hospital systems, surgery centers, and wound care centers across Nebraska. They can be found as solo practioners, in groups, as members of orthopedic groups and as members of multispecialty groups in Nebraska.

Podiatrists are the most qualified doctors to care for your feet. They complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training. This training includes rotations with other medical and osteopathic doctors in emergency medicine, internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery and plastic surgery. With this specialized training, podiatrists can specialize in many fields, including trauma of the foot and ankle, reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, pediatrics, wound care and limb salvage.

Podiatrists can earn board certification with advanced training, clinical experience, and by ultimately taking and passing examinations. The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine are the certifying boards for the field.

Feet are complex anatomical structures, all-in-one stabilizers, shock absorbers, and propulsion engines that are instrumental to overall health and well-being. They require expert care. Be sure you’re seeing the most qualified health-care professional to treat your feet by looking for the letters “DPM” after his or her name. The DPM means a physician has completed years of rigorous foot and ankle training in podiatric medical school and hospital-based residency training, making him or her uniquely qualified to care for this part of the body.

To find a podiatrist near you, visit our physician’s directory.