Podiatry or Chiropody is the medical term used to denote the medical science that deals with the medical care and treatment of the diseases and problems associated with the foot and ankles. A medical professional or a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who is certified as a medical practitioner in podiatry or chiropody is called a podiatrist or a chiropodist.

Candidates who are interested in a career as a podiatrist must attend a medical college providing courses in podiatric medicine, after their senior secondary education. This field is very competitive and therefore candidates are admitted for the programme of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine through a common test.

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is a bachelor level programme with course duration of four years which is followed by a mandatory hospital based residency programme. This programme may last from two to four years depending on the career advancement made by the candidates. Various specializations offered during residency programme include foot surgery and orthopedics; podopediatrics; and podogeriatrics.

Foot Surgery and Orthopedics is a branch of podiatry which deals with the treatment of the foot injuries, deformities of foot joints, sprains and problems of foot muscles and fractures of foot bones. Foot Surgery and Orthopedics Podiatrists are very often required by professionals such as sports persons and dancers who may injure their feet while performing their profession.

Podopediatrics deals with the treatment and medical care of children’s feet. Podopediatrics Podiatrists are frequently consulted by the parents of the growing children.

Podogeriatrics deals with the medical care and treatment of the foot diseases of the elderly who are suffering from age related problems and diseases such as arthritis, diabetes etc.

After the successful completion of the course, candidates are required to register with the relevant authorities for getting a certification or a license to practice as a Certified Podiatrist. Certified podiatrists are in great demand in podiatric colleges, podiatry departments of the hospitals and clinics, government health agencies, podiatry research organizations etc.