Even though we depend on our feet to carry us wherever we go, we tend to overlook them. Yet foot problems, like colds and tooth decay, are among the most common ailments in America today. As you walk through life and age, you are likely to experience some kind of problem with your feet. Fortunately, you're not walking alone. Podiatrists, or doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM), are medical specialists trained in the treatment and care of the foot.

What is podiatry? What is a podiatrist?

Podiatry is a field of medicine that strives to improve the overall health and well being of patients by preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Podiatrists are physicians and surgeons who specialize in the care of the lower extremities, primarily the foot and ankle.

Podiatric training requirements are similar to those for other physicians. Podiatrists complete a basic college curriculum or four-year undergraduate degree and then attend a four-year college of podiatric medicine, usually one associated with a medical school.

As with other physicians, the first two years of a podiatrist's curriculum focus on the anatomy and physiology of the body. The curriculum for last two years focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders. Most podiatrists then go on to post-graduate residencies, fellowships and surgical training. Typically, this post-graduate education is hospital-based. Once their training is complete, podiatrists may enter private practice or serve on the staffs of hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Seniors: Repair foot problems to stay active

Anything that keeps you from being physically active has the potential for harming your overall health, says St. John's podiatrist Dan Mostrom, M.D., who sees patients with foot problems that greatly limit mobility. Some of these problems, he says, can be repaired with minor outpatient procedures.