From routine checkups to treatments for surgery, Associates In Foot and Ankle Surgery is equipped to handle all your podiatric needs. To help you understand your options, we've included descriptions of some of our leading services on this page.
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Training of a Podiatrist
A doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) practices the medical, surgical, and
biomechanical treatment of the human foot, ankle, and associated structures.
Although we specialize inthe prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems
affecting the foot and ankle, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine are also highly
trained health care providers. We see people of all ages and are often the
first medical specialists to diagnose systemic problems that affect the feet
and ankles such as diabetes, gout, hypertension, immunodeficiencies, and
arthritis. Four years of medical school is typically followed by 2 or 3
years of residency that certifies these doctors to function as partners in
the larger medical community. Podiatric physicians (podiatrists) are the
only medical professionals who exclusively specialize in treating the foot
and ankle.
What does a Podiatric Physician Do?
- Diagnoses lower extremity pathology such as tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and congential and acquired deformities
- Makes independent judgements, prescribes medications, utilizers x-rays, MRI, ultrasound and other laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, and orders physical therapy
- Treats conditions such as: corns, calluses, bunion, heel spurs, plantar fascitis, ingrown nails, cysts, bone disorders, and infections of the foot
- Fits corrective inserts called orthotics that address walking patterns to improved 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 neuro-vascular abnormalities of the foot