Podiatry 101 what you need to know about

American Podiatric Medical Associationcontributed by the fund each year and is responsible
Founded in the year 1912, the American Podiatricfor he contribution of about 1 million $ to aid almost
Medical Association (APMA), today represents1000 prospective DPMs.
approximately 15000 Doctors of Podiatric MedicinesThird or Fourth year students from any of the seven
(DPMs). The Association headquarters are situated inaccredited colleges and chosen by the College
Bethesda, Maryland. With a staff of approx 60Scholarship and Student Loan Committee, based on
employees the association assists the 53 societiesvarious factors like classroom performance, leadership
scattered throughout the US, with the goal ofqualities, podiatric community involvement and
improving the foot and ankle health of everyfinancial need etc.
individual. Their attempt is to achieve this goal byThere are plenty of ailments that effect the feet but
providing information by the way of a toll freethe most common two are Athletes Foot and
number, internet, and information brochures.Bunions.
Podiatrists attain a four year undergraduate degreeAthletes Foot is a skin disease that originates with
before attending an accredited, four year course atthe foot. Fungus responsible for the disease thrives
medical school. These schools are: Barry Universityat warm, dark and moist places and thus the feet
School of Medical Graduate Medical Sciences,offer the perfect home. Name comes from the fact
California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuelthat many athletes suffered from this fungus and
Merritt College, College of Podiatric Medicine andalso the fact that swimming pools and locker rooms
Surgery- Des Moines University-are also safe breeding ground for the fungi.
Osteopathic Medical Center, Dr. William M Scholl ofSymptoms include itchy, dry and irritated skin also
College of Podiatric Medicine at the Rosalind Franklinsometimes accompanied by blisters, scaling and
University of Medicine & Science, New York Collegeinflammation. It may spread to other parts of the
of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatricbody as well, like the underarms and the groin region.
Medicine, and Temple University School of PodiatricIt can be prevented by taking a proper care of the
Medicine.skin. Washing and keeping the feet clean, using a
DPMs also have to complete a residence at hospital.feet powder. Fungicidal creams are also effective in
APMA's Council on Podiatric Medical Education hashealing.
been entrusted the task accrediting Podiatric MedicalAnother common foot ailment is the Bunion, an
Education by the US department of Education. Inenlargement of the metatarsophalangeal (MTO) join,
order to obtain admission into any of the sevenlocated at the base of the big toe. Symptoms include
accredited podiatric schools one must pass theswelling, redness, corns, and irritation also
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Residencyaccompanied by abnormal forces placed on the
programs as well as podiatric medical boards are bothtendons and joints of the foot. It is treated mostly
looked after by the Council.by padding the inflammatory are and taping the foot
The APMA's educational Foundation also gives outin a proper position. Anti inflammatory drugs, ultra
scholarships to prospective DPMs, each year and alsosound treatment and cortisone injections are also
helps to fund programs aimed at raising awarenessprescribed to ease the pain and swelling. In severe
about foot and ankle health. The scholarship fundscases a surgical [procedure called bunionectomy might
contribute approx $1000 to about 134 students each,be performed by podiatrists
annually. An overall figure of 142,000$ is alsoMansi gupta writes about podiatry .