Podiatry is good for more than fixing ingrown toenails. On the one hand, paying attention to your podiatrist's suggestions can help you keep your feet smooth and healthy; on the other, a good podiatrist can perform reconstructive surgery on your feet in the event of accident or deformity.

While you can always hunt up a podiatry clinic in the phone book or through networking, don't forget that your primary care physician is a good source of referrals -- and, in fact, your insurance may require that you get a referral from your primary physician before going to a podiatrist.

You should never take your feet for granted. Be sure you keep a close eye on their condition, and if you suffer from any disease that causes circulation or nerve problems in the extremities -- including diabetes -- have yourself checked out in a podiatry clinic at least once a year.