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Boston Podiatrists help patients get back on their feet. Podiatry is the branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats aliments of the foot and ankle. Colloquially known as a "foot doctor," a medical professional specializing in podiatry is technically called a podiatrist. Like most doctors, podiatrists must go through four years of premedical training, four years of podiatric medical school, and then a two to four year residency. Along the way, foot doctors earn a doctor of podiatric medicine degree or D.P.M. After completing their residencies some podiatrists undergo additional training in a sub-specialty like sports medicine, diabetes, dematology, trauma, wound care, and research. In Boston, future podiatrists receive medical instruction at a number of institutions including Boston University, Tufts Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School.
Generally, your primary care physician can refer you to a reputable podiatrist practicing in the Boston, MA area. If that doesn't work, most states, Massachusetts included, has a board of podiatry which can recommend trustworthy foot doctors practicing in your area. Two other quality resources are the Web sites belonging to The American Podiatric Medical Association and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. You can always ask friends, family, and co-workers if they know of a good foot doctor working in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Finally, if all else fails, you can ask your health insurance provider for a referral.
Since your feet are so important, and since problems with your feet could be symptomatic of a more serious condition, it's recommended that you see a podiatrist right away. Some of the problems a foot doctor deals with include corns, bunions, plantar warts, toenail fungus, and ingrown toenails. They also treat plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, fallen arches, and problems stemming from diabetes. Podiatrists are unique in that they can perform surgery on feet—they don't have to refer patients to another doctor. If you need to see a Podiatrists Boston has several well-trained and qualified foot doctors ready to see you.
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