Podiatry is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the foot, ankle, and lower limb, with healthcare professionals known as podiatrists. Its origins are ancient, depicted in bas-relief carvings from 2400 BC in Egypt, and Hippocrates himself described treatments for corns and calluses, inventing the original scalpels for this purpose. Throughout history, prominent figures like Napoleon and President Abraham Lincoln employed personal podiatrists, highlighting the profession's long-standing importance.

The field began formalizing in the late 19th century, with the first podiatric society established in New York in 1895 and the opening of the first podiatric school in 1911. Today, podiatric education is comprehensive, covering a broad range of medical and surgical disciplines, including advanced biomechanics and specialized surgery. In countries like Australia, podiatrists can achieve specialist registration as podiatric surgeons, demonstrating the profession's diverse and advanced scope of practice.