American Podiatric Medical Association

Founded in the year 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), today represents approximately 15000 Doctors of Podiatric Medicines (DPMs). The Association headquarters are situated in Bethesda, Maryland. With a staff of approx 60 employees the association assists the 53 societies scattered throughout the US, with the goal of improving the foot and ankle health of every individual. Their attempt is to achieve this goal by providing information by the way of a toll free number, internet, and information brochures.

Podiatrists attain a four year undergraduate degree before attending an accredited, four year course at medical school. These schools are: Barry University School of Medical Graduate Medical Sciences, California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery- Des Moines University- Osteopathic Medical Center, Dr. William M Scholl of College of Podiatric Medicine at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, and Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

DPMs also have to complete a residence at hospital. APMAs Council on Podiatric Medical Education has been entrusted the task accrediting Podiatric Medical Education by the US department of Education. In order to obtain admission into any of the seven accredited podiatric schools one must pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Residency programs as well as podiatric medical boards are both looked after by the Council.

The APMAs educational Foundation also gives out scholarships to prospective DPMs, each year and also helps to fund programs aimed at raising awareness about foot and ankle health. The scholarship funds contribute approx $1000 to about 134 students each, annually. An overall figure of 142,000$ is also contributed by the fund each year and is responsible for he contribution of about 1 million $ to aid almost 1000 prospective DPMs.

Third or Fourth year students from any of the seven accredited colleges and chosen by the College Scholarship and Student Loan Committee, based on various factors like classroom performance, leadership qualities, podiatric community involvement and financial need etc.

There are plenty of ailments that effect the feet but the most common two are Athletes Foot and Bunions.

Athletes Foot is a skin disease that originates with the foot. Fungus responsible for the disease thrives at warm, dark and moist places and thus the feet offer the perfect home. Name comes from the fact that many athletes suffered from this fungus and also the fact that swimming pools and locker rooms are also safe breeding ground for the fungi.

Symptoms include itchy, dry and irritated skin also sometimes accompanied by blisters, scaling and inflammation. It may spread to other parts of the body as well, like the underarms and the groin region. It can be prevented by taking a proper care of the skin. Washing and keeping the feet clean, using a feet powder. Fungicidal creams are also effective in healing.

Another common foot ailment is the Bunion, an enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal (MTO) join, located at the base of the big toe. Symptoms include swelling, redness, corns, and irritation also accompanied by abnormal forces placed on the tendons and joints of the foot. It is treated mostly by padding the inflammatory are and taping the foot in a proper position. Anti inflammatory drugs, ultra sound treatment and cortisone injections are also prescribed to ease the pain and swelling. In severe cases a surgical [procedure called bunionectomy might be performed by podiatrists.