What is a Podiatrist?

Podiatric medicine includes the medical, surgical, and biomechanical treatment of the human foot, ankle, and associated structures. It is practiced by Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Although they specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems affecting the foot and ankle.

What do Podiatrists do?

Diagnoses lower extremity pathology such as tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and congenital and acquired deformities
Makes independent judgments, prescribes medications, utilizes x-rays, MRI, ultrasound and other laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, and orders physical therapy.
Treats conditions such as corns, calluses, bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, ingrown nails, cysts, bone disorders, and infections of the foot.
Fits corrective inserts called orthotics that address walking patterns to improve the overall ability of effective and efficient ambulation.
Provides consultations for the patient and for referring physicians regarding prevention of podiatric problems and possible treatments
Performs surgical correction of the foot including hammertoes, clawtoes, bunions, fractures, infections, ruptured ligaments and tendons and neurovascular abnormalities of the foot.

Ailments and General Foot Health

Aging And Your Feet
According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes.
Bunions
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe—the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place.
Children's Feet
Information on healthy feet for your child.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects the lives of about 16 million people in the United States.
Diabetic Wound Care
Diabetes is the leading cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States.
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle emergencies happen every day. Broken bones, dislocations, sprains, contusions, infections, and other serious injuries can occur at any time. Early attention is vitally important. Whenever you sustain a foot or ankle injury, you should seek immediate treatment from a podiatric physician.
Footwear
Proper footwear can reduce foot problems.
Forefoot Surgery
Many foot problems do not respond to “conservative” management. Your podiatric physician can determine when surgical intervention may be helpful. Often when pain or deformity persists, surgery may be appropriate to alleviate discomfort or to restore the function of your foot.
General Foot Health
Information on general foot health.
Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a contracture—or bending—of the toe at the first joint of the digit, called the proximal interphalangeal joint.
Heel Pain
Heel pain has many causes.
High Blood Pressure
It's important to let your podiatrist know about high blood pressure.
Leg Cramps
You might be surprised to learn that leg pain that develops during walking—and then goes away only with rest—can be caused by intermittent claudication (IC), a potentially disabling yet treatable medical condition.
Nail Problems
Toenails often serve as barometers of our health; they are diagnostic tools providing the initial signal of the presence or onset of systemic diseases.
Neuromas
A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
Orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern.
Podiatric Medicine
Podiatric medicine is the profession that strives to improve the overall health and well-being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle.
Rearfoot Surgery
Many conditions can affect the back portion of the foot and ankle. Fortunately, many of these problems can be resolved through conservative treatments. However when pain persists or deformity occurs, surgical intervention can often help alleviate pain, reduce deformity, and/or restore the function of your foot or ankle.
Walking
For a healthier, happier lifestyle, try walking--the most popular form of exercise.
Warts
Warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be quite painful. They are caused by a virus, which generally invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions.