Definition

Noun: A healthcare professional who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. This specialist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting these areas.

Usage

The term "foot doctor" is a common, informal name for this medical specialist. It is used in everyday conversation. * You should see a foot doctor about that persistent pain in your heel. * My foot doctor recommended special orthotics for my shoes.

Advanced Usage

• The formal and professional term for a foot doctor is a podiatrist. In medical contexts, "podiatrist" is preferred.
  • Informal: I have an appointment with my foot doctor next week.
  • Formal: I have a consultation with a podiatrist next week.

Variants and Related Words

• Podiatrist (noun): The formal term for a foot doctor; a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).
• Podiatry (noun): The branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.
• Chiropodist (noun): An older term that is largely synonymous with podiatrist, though its use varies by region.

Synonyms

• Podiatrist
• Chiropodist (primarily in some Commonwealth countries)

Related Phrases

• To go to the foot doctor: To have an appointment with a podiatrist.
  • I need to go to the foot doctor to get this ingrown toenail treated.

Noun

1. a specialist in care for the feet