What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to sprains and fractures, bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. A podiatrist also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel.. In addition to undergraduate medical school training, podiatrists also attend graduate school for a doctorate degree in podiatric medicine. The Podiatrists in our practice have also completed at least a two year residency in foot and ankle surgery.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are more than 17,800 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country.
Typically, podiatrists:
- Consult with the patient and other physicians on how to prevent foot and ankle problems.
- Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities of the foot and ankle.
- Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions, clawtoes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, and ruptured Achilles and other ligaments and tendons.
- Prescribe therapies and perform or order diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and lab tests.
- Prescribes or fits patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.
- Treat conditions such as: bone disorders of the foot and ankle, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.
For more information on Podiatrists in the West Houston, TX area call Foot & Ankle Institute at (281) 531-4100 today!