A career in podiatry is one area that those thinking about their future may like to consider. Podiatry is that profession that's concerned with the prevention and treatment of problems of the feet and related structures. Podiatric doctors make use of a variety of different medical, physical, pharmacological, biomechanical and surgical interventions to deal with just about everything that can and does go wrong with the foot. The education to become podiatrist varies from country to country with the degree being a 4 yr undergraduate degree in many countries with post-graduate education in areas of speciality. In the USA it is a 4 yr post-graduate degree followed with a 3 year residency. The range of practice and the number of years of education does vary a great deal internationally. A fairly easy search online will turn up the details necessary for learning in every country.

The future for podiatry is most likely excellent due to the aging population as well as the diabetes epidemic being driven by the obesity emergency. Those in the older age groups have a much greater prevalence of foot conditions, so as the population ages, so too will the requirement for podiatrists. It's the same with the obesity crisis which is bringing about the greatly increased prevalence of diabetes. People that have diabetes are at a significantly increased risk for problems of the feet and also amputation, so in these people excellent foot care and podiatry management is crucial to prevent and treat these issues.

Podiatrists also work in lots of other distinct specialities such as sports medicine and paediatrics. Here they will use various treatment methods to avoid and treat problems of the feet and leg in athletes and children. Their role is very helpful in these populations. In rheumatology settings they are going to be working with other health care professionals to manage all of the complications which occur in the feet of those with the different arthritis type problems.