The human foot is a complex structure. It contains 26 bones plus muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels and is designed for balance and mobility. To treat these problems, podiatrists prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. They also fit corrective inserts called orthotics, design plaster casts and strappings to correct deformities, and design custom-made shoes. Podiatrists may use a force plate to help design the orthotics and shoes.
Patients walk across a plate connected to a computer that reads the patients' feet.
From the computer readout, podiatrists may order the correct design. To diagnose a foot problem, podiatrists may order x rays and laboratory tests. Podiatrists consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners when they spot systemic diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, of which first symtoms may appear in the foot. For example, diabetics are prone to foot ulcers and infections due to their poor circulation. Most podiatrists have a general practice.