Podiatry strives to improve the overall health and well-being
of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing,
and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle.
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.

Treatment of foot and ankle pathology includes management of
complex problems such as failed hindfoot fusions, diabetic foot
complications, and rheumatoid arthritis, and more common problems
such as bunions and hammer toes. Up-to-date specialty podiatry
techniques such as arthroscopy of the ankle joint are available.