A career in podiatry is something that those considering their future may wish to consider. Podiatry is that profession that is concerned with the prevention and management of diseases of the foot and connected structures. Podiatrists use a variety of different medical, physical, pharmacological, biomechanical and surgical interventions to treat pretty much anything that can and does go wrong with the feet. The education to become a podiatrist differs from country to country with the degree being a 4 yr undergraduate degree in most countries with post-graduate courses in areas of interest. In the USA it is a 4 yr post-graduate education followed with a 3 year post degree residency. The scope of practice and the number of years of education does differ a lot globally. A simple look online will turn up the info required for training in every country.
The future for podiatry is most likely very good as a result of aging populace as well as the diabetes epidemic being fuelled by the obesity crisis. Those in the older age groups have a much increased occurrence of foot conditions, so as the populace ages, so too will the need for podiatrists. It's the same with the obesity crisis which is leading to the significantly increased incidence of diabetes. Those with diabetes are at a substantially increased risk for problems of the feet and also amputation, so in these people excellent foot care and podiatry management is essential to prevent and treat these problems.
Podiatrists also work in many other distinct specialities such as sports medicine and paediatrics. Here they will use various treatment modalities to prevent and treat conditions of the feet and leg in sportsman and children. Their role is very helpful in these groups. In rheumatology settings they will be working with other health professionals to deal with all the problems which happen in the feet of those with the various joint disease type ailments.