A professional who diagnoses and treats diseases and deformities of human foot. Responsibilities include:

• Diagnoses foot ailments, such as tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin or nail diseases, and congenital or acquired deformities, utilizing diagnostic aids, such as urinalysis, blood tests, and x-ray analysis.
• Treats deformities, such as flat or weak feet and foot imbalance, by mechanical and electrical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths and short wave and low voltage currents.
• Treats conditions, such as corns, calluses, ingrowing nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, and abscesses by surgical methods, including suturing, medications, and administration of local anesthetics.
• Prescribes drugs.
• Does not perform foot amputations.
• Corrects deformities by means of plaster casts and strappings.
• Makes and fits prosthetic appliances.
• Prescribes corrective footwear.
• Advises patients concerning continued treatment of disorders and proper foot care to prevent recurrence.
• Refers patients to physician when symptoms observed in feet and legs indicate systemic disorders, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney trouble.
• May treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders and be designated Podiatrist, Orthopedic; children's foot diseases and be designated Podopediatrician.
• May perform surgery and be designated Podiatric Surgeon.