Peripheral Neuropathy:
Do you have numbness, tingling, or shooting pain to your feet? Do you have foot pain at night?
Learn MoreThe Athletic Foot:
Is foot or ankle pain or injury keeping you from your sport or favorite activity?
Learn MoreThe Child's Foot:
Does your child have foot pain or problems? Are your child's feet growing correctly?
Learn MoreHow Can We
Help You?
- Why Do My Feet or Ankles Hurt?
- My Feet Are Numb or Tingling
- Tell Me About My Diabetes
- I Want To Keep Playing Sports
- What About My Child's Feet?
- Do I Have An Ingrown Toenail?
- Do I Have An Infection?
- Do I Have A Bunion?
- Why Do My Heels Hurt?
- Why Are My Toes Curling?
- Am I Walking/Running Correctly?
- What Is This On My Skin?
- Do I Need Orthotics?
- What Shoes Should I Buy?
- Should I See/Call The Doctor?
- Do I Need Surgery?
- Tell Me About My Foot
- What Is Podiatry?
- Who Do You Treat?
- REGISTRATION FORMS
- REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What Is Podiatry?
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is defined as a physician and surgeon that practices the art of podiatry. The “practice of podiatry” is defined by Utah State Law as “the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the human foot and ankle and their manifestations of systemic conditions by all appropriate and lawful means.” Treatment of various conditions may include palliative care, biomechanical modalities, physical therapy, surgical intervention, and the prescription of both systemic and topical medications.Over the past several decades, podiatry has evolved from a palliative art (chiropody) into a medical and surgical specialty of the lower limb. The legal definition of podiatry and the legislation governing the scope of practice varies somewhat from state to state. Utah law provides for the care of “the human foot and ankle.”
Educationally, a DPM has completed a required premedical curriculum in an undergraduate institution, and has taken the Medical College Adm
issions Test (MCAT), similar to allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) school applicants. Based upon undergraduate performance, MCAT scores, and a rigorous interview process, the applicant is chosen to matriculate at one of the seven (soon to be eight) colleges of podiatric medicine. Podiatric medical school encompasses an additional four years of study, and mirrors the general curriculum of most allopathic medical schools. Throughout this process, however, the podiatric medical student is involved in additional specialty courses dealing specifically with lower extremity anatomy, biomechanics, podiatric radiology, podiatric medicine, and podiatric surgery. The podiatrist also undergoes rigorous residency training.The DPM is therefore truly a physician who specializes in and is uniquely qualified to treat disorders of the human foot and ankle.
For an appointment or more information, call 801-756-0765 or email institute@utahfootdoc.com.
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Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute is located in American Fork, Utah. It serves Utah County communities including Alpine, Highland, Lehi, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Hills, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Orem, Provo and Springville.
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Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
Phone: (801) 756-0765
Fax: (801)756-1405
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