Podiatry

Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your body and often take a lot of wear and tear. If foot pain is left untreated, your feet can become permanently damaged. This is why it is important to recognize and treat your foot and ankle issues early on.

Specialties

  • Podiatric surgery
  • Rearfoot and ankle surgery
  • Bunions
  • Hammer toe
  • Skin / Nail problems
    • Athlete’s foot
    • Corns
    • Diabetic foot care and diabetic wounds
    • Ingrown toenails
    • Plantar warts

Use the following tips for healthy feet:

  • Do not ignore foot pain. It is not normal. If the pain persists, see a medical doctor or podiatrist.
  • Inspect feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete's foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
  • Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and dry them completely.
  • Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. (Cutting nails in corners or on the sides increases the risk for ingrown toenails.)
  • Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals, always use sunblock on your feet, as you would on the rest of your body.
  • Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments. Self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.
  • It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatrist at least once a year for a checkup. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet, including toenails, because they are more prone to infection. 

You should see a podiatrist if you are experiencing foot pain or injury. Seek urgent medical care if you experience these symptoms for longer than one or two days:

  • Severe pain
  • Swelling
  • Numbness
  • Open wound
  • Infection (redness, warmth, tenderness, or fever)