Podiatry Specialist

What is podiatry?

Podiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems that affect the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Podiatrists complete four years of education in podiatry school, followed by at least three years of residency training in a hospital or clinical setting. 

The team at Physicians Medical Group of San Jose offers podiatry services to people of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. Patients can access a wide range of podiatry services, including:

• Surgery
• Wound care
• Sports medicine
• Diabetic foot care

You don’t have to have foot-related health problems to benefit from podiatry. Following a comprehensive exam and review of your medical history, your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose provider can make footwear recommendations and provide you with other helpful tips, such as how to trim your toenails and prevent common problems like athlete's foot.

What are some common problems that podiatrists treat?

The podiatrists at Physicians Medical Group of San Jose regularly diagnose and treat a variety of common foot problems, including:

• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar fasciitis
• Diabetic wounds
• Fractures
• Blisters
• Calluses
• Bunions
• Neuromas
• Heel pain
• Hammertoes
• Arthritis
• Plantar warts
• Toenail fungus
• Foot fungus

The team also treats sports-related injuries, including ankle sprains, crush injuries, and stress fractures. If necessary, they can also prescribe custom orthotics.

Are there any factors that increase my risk of foot-related health problems?

Foot-related health problems affect people of all ages, races, and genders, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk, including:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Poor circulation
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease

If you have a diagnosis of any of these conditions, make sure to monitor your feet regularly. You might even want to keep a journal to track any signs or symptoms of problems. 

If you have diabetes, you need to participate in regular podiatry exams. Doing so can significantly lower your risk of diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease.

What happens during a podiatry appointment?

No two podiatry appointments are exactly alike. However, they all follow the same basic structure. First, your doctor examines your feet, toes, and ankles. Next, they ask you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your doctor also gently presses on your heel, ankle, and the ball of your foot to test for areas of tenderness or swelling. Your doctor might also order a series of X-rays to get a closer look at the bones and joints in your feet.

After gathering all of this information, your doctor develops a custom treatment plan that aligns with your individual needs. This might include lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and losing weight. Or, your doctor might recommend custom-made orthotics and physical therapy. 

For more serious problems, such as a bunion or hammertoe that affects your mobility, surgery may be necessary. If you fracture your foot, you might need a cast or splint.

Call your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose physician today!