Podiatrists work independently and use medical tests and X-rays for diagnostic purposes and to prescribe medication. A Podiatrist can set broken bones, order physical therapy, and perform surgery. Depending on their specialization area, they may work with a specific population or in a special setting, working with children or athletes at training facilities.  

A Podiatrist is a vital member of the healthcare community. Because feet can be clear indicators of overall health, Podiatrists are often the first to detect diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Indeed, feet are often the first place where more severe health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disorders show up. Feet will also indicate if a person is walking poorly, which can signal that something is neurologically defective.

Podiatrists who operate their own practice also take on the business aspects of the job, including accounting, hiring, training staff, and managing the inventory of medical supplies.  

Average Day of a Podiatrist
Depending on the setting a Podiatrist works in, they may do any of the following on an average day: 

• Use the latest medical research and technologies to treat issues such as corns, calluses, abscesses, bunions, arch problems, and ingrown toenails
• Design orthopedics to correct deformities and support the feet of their patients
• Perform foot and ankle surgeries
• Design casting for foot and ankle injuries such as fractures or sprains
• Assess and correct walking patterns and imbalances, such as with children who walk on their toes
• Refer patients to other medical specialists when other conditions are observed, such as diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, or heart disease
• Coordinate a treatment plan with other medical specialists
• Provide consultations and assessments with patients on preventative foot care
  Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, skin diseases, and deformities