Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Who Is a Podiatrist?

Different kinds of doctors specialize in a particular part of the body. For example, otolaryngologists specialize in the ear, nose, and throat, while optometrists specialize in treating the eyes. Podiatrists are doctors that primarily focus on all things related to the feet. Podiatrists must complete a rigorous academic course of study, first obtaining a bachelor’s degree and then earning a degree in Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, referred to as DPM. You might find podiatrists working in a variety of environments. For example, you could find them working in hospitals, private or group practice settings, the armed services, or even in the U.S. Public Health Service. A podiatrist’s work is pertinent because the feet are critical parts of the human body. Not only are feet responsible for movement and balance, but they must also bear the full weight of a human’s body. Since the feet are vulnerable to conditions like plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, Morton’s neuroma, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, a podiatrist’s work is essential. If you are interested in taking good care of your feet or you have an existing foot condition, contact a podiatrist. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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