Podiatry is a medical field that deals with the study, diagnosis, medication, and surgery of disorders concerning the lower extremity of the human body, such as feet and ankles. Podiatric medicine was first practiced as a specialty term in the United States in the early twentieth century and gradually found usage worldwide, especially in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
Podiatry Milwaukee is synonymous with its older term chiropody, a similar health practice used in many countries with a high English-speaking population.
So when and how did Podiatry begin?
The professional care of feet dates back to ancient Egyptian civilization about 4400 years ago. The use of the original scalpels is accredited to Hippocrates, who recognized the need to mechanically remove or reduce hardened skin called corns and calluses from feet soles as a general care procedure. He also sought to find the cause behind their formation – often an improper balancing of body weight or an improper structure of the legs.
In the early nineteenth century, the mention of professional chiropody was found in the historical records of royal households. The late 1800s witnessed the establishment of the first society of chiropodists in New York, which is functional till the present day.
This was soon followed by the establishment of the first British and Australian chiropodist societies. In recent times, chiropody and podiatry began to find inclusion in organized medicine only in the twentieth century.
Who are the People in Podiatry?
Podiatry Milwaukee consists of two major groups – podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons. Their study and knowledge of podiatry is spread across –
- anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on the lower human body,
- microbiology and pharmacology,
- histology and pathophysiology,
- biochemistry,
- genetics and embryology,
- women’s health,
- neurobiology,
- biomechanics,
- physical rehabilitation,
- sports medicine,
- research, ethics, and jurisprudence,
- orthopedic surgery
In short, podiatric medicine and surgery lie at the convergence of emergency medicine and general surgery, radiology and physiotherapy, primary care and pain management, and many more.
Some common techniques of podiatry include:
- General maintenance and correction of minor foot deformities,
2. Cosmetic correction of hammertoes and bunions, which calls for minimally invasive percutaneous surgery,
3. Reconstruction of foot and ankle disfigured under diabetic effect or physical trauma.
Podiatry also finds its application in combination with rheumatology, oncology, dermatology, gerontology, pediatrics, and forensic investigations.
To practice podiatry as a specialist, one requires to pursue a degree either in Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) or in orthopedic surgery during Masters (MD). One can also take up additional fellowship training required for specific medical procedures. An emerging career option on the rise in allied healthcare services is podiatric nursing and assistantship.
Conclusion:
Podiatry Milwaukee is one of the most highly paid specialties. Podiatric physicians have the option to practice in individual clinics, in dedicated group settings, as well as in multi-specialty groups that combine diabetic treatment or orthopedic surgery.
However, most opt for solo practices. The clientele of podiatry ranges from military personnel to general civilians who can look for critical or general care in holistic, rural, community, or specialized health centers.
