A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower leg problems, including, sprains, fractures, infections and injuries, bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. Four years of undergraduate medical school training and four years of podiatric medical school are required to obtain their podiatric medical degree. Typically, they complete post graduate residency training in podiatric primary care, orthopedics and/or surgery. Podiatrists must take state and national exams, and be licensed by the state in which they practice. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are more than 17,800 practicing podiatrists in the United States and in Boynton Beach, you can count on Drs. Susan and Brad Mattison. Podiatrists are in demand today because of the rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in the United States.
Typically, Podiatrists
Diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg including, tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities. Perform surgeries to remedy such problems as bunions, claw toes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, and ruptured Achilles and other ligaments and tendons.
- Prescribe therapies, and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and lab tests.
- Prescribes or fits patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.
- Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.
- Diagnose, treat and manage diabetic foot problems including diabetic neuropathy, wounds, ulcerations and infections.