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Podiatrists are specialists who diagnose and treat conditions that affect what some consider one of the most complex anatomical structures ever designed: the human foot and ankle. In fact, a podiatrist is the only medical specialist who is trained, educated, certified, and licensed to provide treatment for conditions that affect the foot and ankle.
Podiatrists treat any foot problem and have patients from all age groups. Trouble with the foot can create significant problems for athletes who develop overuse injuries, but sedentary people can also develop problems.
The podiatric physician frequently sees some of the common disorders of the foot, such as heel pain/spurs, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and neuromas. The podiatrist can also diagnose and treat infections, sprains, fractures, and any other injuries to the ankle, foot, and heel.
Some podiatrists obtain additional education, training, and credentials that prepares them to perform surgical management of foot diseases and deformities. However, their expertise may also prove beneficial with other disorders and injuries. For example, people with diabetes may be prone to foot problems. The expert care of a podiatric physician can mean the difference between losing and saving a foot that has developed an infection.
Podiatrists can also offer help to many people who are afflicted with lower-back and joint problems. The manner in which you walk may contribute to many of these conditions, and corrective measures such as custom-made orthotics can help to alleviate some of those problems.
For more information, visit the American Podiatric Medical Association at www.apma.org.
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