Podiatry
Podiatry is devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremity. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, is a licensed Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), and some podiatrists, such as Dr. Carroll Kratzer, limit their practice to the non-surgical treatment of patients. Because much work in podiatric medicine involves cutting of some kind, many minor office procedures are considered surgical by insurance companies including tasks such as the cutting of nails, removing of corns or calluses, which the general public would not ordinarily consider to be surgery. Podiatrists use their skills in handling arthritic, diabetic, and other medical problems associated with the feet and lower extremities, and often prescribe devices fitted in shoes (orthotic devices) or modifications to the shoe itself (pedorthics) to make walking better or easier.
