What are the future prospects for a podiatry career?

A career in podiatry is one thing that those contemplating their future may like to consider. Podiatry is that occupation that's focused on the prevention and treatment of diseases of the foot and connected structures. Podiatric doctors make use of a variety of different medical, physical, pharmacological, biomechanical and surgical treatments to take care of just about anything which may and does go wrong with the feet. The training to become podiatrist is different from country to country with the degree being a 4 yr undergraduate degree in many countries with post-graduate work in areas of speciality. In the USA it is a 4 yr post-graduate degree followed by a 3 year post degree residency. The range of practice and the number of years of training does vary a lot around the world. A simple look online will turn up the information required for training in each country.

The future for podiatry is most likely very good due to the aging population and the diabetes epidemic being fuelled by the obesity crisis. Those in the older age groups have a much increased frequency of foot problems, so as the population ages, so too will the requirement for podiatrists. It is the same with the obesity problems which is bringing about the significantly increased prevalence of diabetes. Those with diabetes are at a substantially increased risk for conditions of the feet and even amputation, so in these people good foot care and podiatry management is necessary to avoid and treat these problems.

Podiatrists also work in many other distinct specialities such as sports medicine and paediatrics. Here they will use various treatment strategies to prevent and treat disorders of the foot and leg in athletes and children. Their part is very helpful in these populations. In rheumatology settings they will be working with other health professionals to deal with all the problems that happen in the feet of those with the various joint disease type conditions.