Podiatrist in Gainesville, VA
There’s no debate: your feet are your primary mode of transportation. You likely spend hundreds of dollars maintaining your car or truck, but do you take care of your feet? If you are experiencing persistent foot pain or discomfort, or if you notice deformities in the shape of your feet, then it might be time to visit a podiatrist, or foot doctor. A podiatrist in Gainesville can diagnose and treat a range of foot and ankle conditions that, if ignored, could restrict your mobility. Residents in Gainesville, VA can call Mountain Spring Podiatry to schedule an appointment or arrange a walk-in appointment as soon as possible.
What is a podiatrist and what are their qualifications?
Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle conditions and disorders. By extension, a podiatrist, or doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), is a healthcare professional who specializes in the feet, ankles, and lower part of the legs.
Podiatrists in Gainesville undergo extensive education and training programs from accredited institutions, and they must pass a series of certification exams before they can be licensed to treat patients. This generally includes four years of graduate education followed by two to three years of residency and a passing score on the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examinations (APMLE).
What do podiatrists do?
A podiatrist or foot doctor in Gainesville can help prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the foot, ankles, and lower legs. These include, but are not limited to corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and ankle injuries. They also specialize in treating more severe foot and ankle conditions such as fractures, infections, and foot deformities.
Podiatrists use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions, including physical exams, X-rays, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic imaging. They may also prescribe medications, recommend therapeutic exercises, and provide custom orthotics or shoe inserts to help alleviate pain or correct foot and ankle problems. In severe cases, a podiatry surgeon may also perform podiatry surgery when other methods do not yield satisfactory results.
Diabetic foot care
Diabetes can cause nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, which can cause individuals to lose sensation in their feet. This means that they may not be able to feel when they have cuts, blisters, or other injuries on their feet which can lead to infections and other complications. Poor circulation, another common complication of diabetes, can also slow the healing process of any injuries that do occur.
Proper diabetic foot care can help prevent these complications. This includes regular foot exams to check for any signs of injury or infection, keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly, and avoiding going barefoot. It’s also important for individuals with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, exercise, and medication as directed by their healthcare provider.
Experiencing foot pain? We can help.
Some foot ache is normal after a long day of work or exercise, but if that foot pain is persistent and won’t go away with rest, then it might be time to visit a podiatrist for professional foot pain treatment. Address the issues early to prevent complications. Mountain Spring Podiatry is here to help.
