When it comes to treating diseases and conditions of the feet, your feet are best treated in the hands of a podiatrist. Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, or DPMs, and can only treat foot and ankle diseases and conditions. In addition to four years of undergraduate study, podiatrists must also complete four years of study at a podiatric school, plus three to four years of surgical residency of the foot and ankle only. Visit Greatlakesfootankle.com for the best in podiatric care available.
As a result of their intensive focus on the foot and ankle, podiatrists are well-versed in the biomechanics of the foot and ideally suited to fit individuals with custom orthotics or braces. Because their entire residency is focused solely on the foot and ankle, working alongside or under the guidance of orthopedic and podiatric surgeons, they have more expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of this important part of the body.
There are many conditions, diseases, and injuries that a podiatric surgeon in Racine WI may diagnose and treat. A couple of the common include:
* Achilles Tendonitis – Connecting the calf muscles to the heel, the tendon is engaged while walking, jumping, or running, and while it can tolerate significant stress it is vulnerable to injury. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include stiffness and pain, especially in the morning, or pain and tenderness of the tendon or heel that is exacerbated with activity. Treatment is typically conservative using heel inserts, ice, rest, and OTC drugs such as NSAIDS.
* Athlete’s Foot – This is easily one of the most prevalent fungal infections that can be contracted by individuals frequenting public swimming pools, spas, gyms, and the like. It presents as blisters that result in uncomfortable burning and itching sensations. Fortunately, it is easily treatable through antibiotics and can be prevented by keeping your feet dry, changing socks regularly, and wear sandals in public areas such as pools, spas, shower facilities and locker rooms.
A Podiatric Surgeon in Racine WI also treat conditions such as flat feet, bunions, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, Hammertoes, hallux ridigis or limitus (loss of big toe movement), heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, metatarsal fractures, fallen arches, neuromas, and sesamoiditis. Most podiatrists approach treatment conservatively regarding surgery as a last resort and many do not perform surgery at all. In these cases, they will refer patients to those podiatrists comfortable conducting complex reconstructive surgical procedures.
