Podiatrists are health professionals who diagnose and treat medical and surgical problems and injuries of the feet and ankles, such as corns, warts, plantar fasciitis, bunions, or hammer toes. They also perform reconstructive surgery.

Podiatrists provide extended care for people who need it, such as those with foot problems caused by diabetes.

Podiatrists must have at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study and then go to a 4-year college of podiatric medicine. After receiving their podiatry degree, most podiatrists spend another 2 to 4 years in a hospital-based residency program. Podiatrists can be board-certified through the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Certification is not required in every state.