Podiatry: Medical Team

Podiatrists treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel spurs and arch pain; ankle and foot injuries, deformities, and infections; and foot complaints associated with diseases such as diabetes.

Podiatric treatment:

• drug prescription
  
• physical therapy
  
• surgery
  
• corrective inserts, called orthotics
  
• plaster casts and strappings to correct deformities
  
• custom-made shoe design.

The foot may be the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. For example, diabetics are prone to foot ulcers and infections due to poor circulation. Podiatrists consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners when they detect symptoms of these disorders.

Some podiatrists specialize in surgery, orthopedics, primary care or public health. Besides these board certified specialties, foot doctors may practice other specialties, such as sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics or diabetic foot care.