What Issues Do Podiatrists Treat?

A podiatrist, also known as a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists treat a variety of foot conditions for patients of all ages. Common issues that podiatrists diagnose and treat include ingrown toenails, blisters, warts, heel pain, foot pain, cracked skin, corns, nail infections, and foot injuries such as sprains or breaks. Many podiatrists also focus on specialized areas within foot medicine, and these specialties include surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic foot care, and pediatric foot care. Podiatrists are also able to help patients who have underlying health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and poor blood circulation, care for their feet. If you are struggling with pain, swelling, numbness, an open wound, or a possible infection surrounding the feet and ankles, consulting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment is recommended.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.