A foot doctor, commonly known as a Podiatrist is a medical specialist who, from day 1, started training with an emphasis on the foot and ankle. The first two years of Podiatry school mirrors the training of Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs). In fact, many podiatry students are in the same classroom with their MD or DO colleagues for the first two years. During these years, we study classes such as Anatomy (with an emphasis on Lower extremity), Physiology, Radiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Embryology, as well as many others. In addition, Podiatry students start early training in the fields of Biomechanics and Foot and Ankle Surgery. During the 3rd and 4th years of school, Future Podiatrists go on rotation at the hospital, do rounds in General Medicine, General, Plastics, Vascular and Orthopedic surgery, as well as rotations in Podiatric Surgery and clinics. After four years of podiatry school, we take the hippocratic oath and join the field of medicine.
Prior to 2012, Some podiatrists completed 1 or 2 year residencies with forefoot focused training. After 2012 (this includes myself, Dr. Jones) new podiatrists, or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) train in a 3 year surgical residency. It is during this time that podiatrists put into practice the principles learned in school. Podiatrists cover rotations in Podiatry (of course) as well as Emergency Medicine, Orthopedic surgery, Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Behavioral Health, Neurology, Infectious diseases, as well as others. I also did training in Sports Medicine as one of my other 'elective' type rotations. Additionally, my training included a Reconstructive Rearfoot/ Ankle Surgery certificate, which I received for training covering the midfoot, rearfoot, and ankle. Some DPMs go on to do a fellowship in specialized areas within Podiatry.
I finished my residency in 2015 and can treat many of the conditions in the lower extremity, specifically below the knee. Starting at the toes and working up the leg, we treat ingrown toenails, toenail fungus and other nail problems, wounds of the toes and feet, hammertoes, bunions, toe and foot fractures, neuromas, ball of foot pain, foot sprains, arthritis, gout, foot infections and heel pain. Additionally, because of my training I am able to treat conditions of the rearfoot, including fractures of the rearfoot and ankle, arthritis of rearfoot and ankle. I also did a large amount (and continue to treat) complex diabetic foot wounds and venous stasis ulcerations and disease.
So, when you have pain below the knee, rest assured that we can help. Our training is foot and ankle, our focus is on You!
- Daniel Jones DPM, Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery®