Richard Mendelsohn, DPM, FACFAS • Deena Charney, DPM, FACFAS • Gary Scheib, DPM • Stanley Idiculla, DPM, AACFAS |
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Most of us don't give much thought to our feet until something goes wrong, but your feet are one of the most important parts of your body. They support you. They get you places. And they take a lot of abuse: The average person puts about 5 million pounds of pressure on his or her feet each day, and typically walks about 115,000 miles in a lifetime! Three-out-of-four people will experience problems with their feet at some point in their lives. But you don't have to take foot discomfort lying down. Thanks to modern podiatric procedures, there are cures for most problems.
What is a podiatrist? A podiatrist is a highly trained medical professional who specializes in disorders of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist earns his or her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) after completing studies at one of seven colleges of podiatric medicine in the U.S. Those specializing in foot and ankle surgery also complete up to three years of additional training through an accredited hospital residency program. Why choose a podiatrist? You have many choices of doctors and it's important to choose one with the most knowledge of your particular problem and one whom you trust. Your feet make up 1/4 of all the bones in your body, and include 33 joints and 107 ligaments. Your primary care physician may be able to address many foot and ankle problems. But podiatrists focus more of their education, training and day-to-day experience on these critical body parts than any other type of physician. They are experts in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems of the feet and ankles. Often they help patients identify serious, underlying medical conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can inhibit circulation in the lower extremities. How do I know if I need to see a podiatrist? Your primary care physician should include foot examinations during routine physicals and may alert you to certain problems for follow up by a podiatrist. You may experience a break or sprain and decide to visit a podiatrist for guidance on treatment and after-care. And regular foot pain isn't normal. It may be a sign, for example, of a serious underlying medical condition that inhibits circulation. It may indicate a growth or tumor, a deformity from birth or one that has developed due to ill-fitting shoes, or it may result from overuse during sports or dance activities. These are just a few possibilities, but a general rule is: If it hurts, something is probably wrong. What types of treatments can I expect from my podiatrist? Some foot and ankle problems are resolved successfully using non-invasive treatments such as heat and massage therapy, orthotics (specially built supports that fit in your shoes) and prescribed medications. Specific treatments will be outlined by your podiatrist following a thorough examination. At other times, surgery may be the best way to eliminate long-term discomfort or correct a specific ailment. Podiatrists certified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons have passed rigorous qualification standards for performing foot and ankle surgery. In most cases, surgeries are performed on an out-patient basis and under local anesthesia. Problems that might be subject to surgical solutions range from sprains, fractures and other types of trauma, to birth deformities, malignant and non-malignant tumors, and very common in-grown toenails, corns, bunions or warts. What are some preventive steps I can take to avoid foot problems in the first place?
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