Visit your trusted team of doctors and podiatrists in Newtown, PA at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists today if you need treatment in your ankles, feet, or lower exterminates in general. Our team can work with you to help keep your feet and ankles in optimal health.
What is Podiatry?
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of diseases, disorders, and injuries to the ankles, feet, and other related areas. A podiatrist is a certified doctor. An experienced podiatrist can assess your needs, and diagnose and treat any medical conditions related to the feet and ankles.
What Does a Podiatrist Treat?
A podiatrist treats a large range of conditions related to your lower limbs. Whether it is conditions of the skin, ligaments, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, or bone or conditions related to a disease that affects the lower extremities, a podiatrist is who will treat you. Patients who experience issues such as injuries to the feet and ankles, fungal infections, or diabetes-related complications should visit a board-certified podiatrist.
What Kind of Medical Training Does a Podiatrist Have?
A podiatrist is also referred to as a chiropodist, which is a more formal name for the occupation. A podiatrist is a medical doctor that must attend a podiatric medical school accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME). Here they will undergo specialized training that focuses on foot and ankle medicine.
Once they complete podiatric medical school, they become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). This is a four year program that focuses on all systems and structures related to the foot, ankles, and lower limbs. This includes, but is not limited to, the joints, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and skin.
After medical school, a podiatrist will undergo clinical training and residency to gain hands-on experience. Podiatric residencies typically last three year and take place in clinical setting or a hospital. The next step is to obtain a license to practice medicine in the state in which you will operate. Dr. William S. Lynde, Dr. Michael J. Lynde, Dr. Margaret Kerins, and Dr. Jaclyn Reed are all licensed and highly experienced podiatrists in Newtown, PA.
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
As noted, a podiatrist handles all issues relating to the foot, ankles, and lower limbs. This means they are trained to handle a wide range of general foot concerns and offer podiatry services for patients of all ages. For instance, a podiatrist can address a range of issues, including ingrown toenails, warts, bunions, corns, calluses, and foot and ankle pain. In addition, a podiatrist can also diagnose and treat fractures, sprains, and injury to the ankle, foot, and heel.
Patients may visit a podiatrist for the following reasons:
- Get fitted for custom orthotic
- Seeking diagnosis for fractures, sprains, tumors, development deformities and infection and disease of the skin and nails
- Treatment for corn, calluses, bunions, infection, ingrown nails, and bone disorders
- Work in coordination with a primary care physician to build a comprehensive treatment plan for foot and ankle related issues
Be sure to visit a podiatrist if you have foot or ankle pain that does not resolve itself. The foot is made up of a number of joints, ligaments muscles, and tendons, and when one is out of balance, it can affect your ability to stand, walk, or run. A podiatrist can assess any damage to your foot and recommend the best solution for you.
Lower Limb Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms in the foot or ankle, please contact our Newtown, PA podiatry office:
- Tenderness
- Hard, callused skin
- Discolored toenails
- Strong foot smell
- Tingling or numbness
- Pain in the lower legs when walking or admitting pressure
- Ulcers
- Soreness
- Cracked or damaged skin
At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we will assess your symptoms and recommend the best treatment options for you. Our goal is to help our patients find the relief they need and get them one step closer to optimal health.
The Benefit of Seeing a Podiatrist
If you suffer from issues, disease, or injury to your lower limbs, you will benefit greatly from seeing a podiatrist. As a medical professional who focuses on foot and ankle health, they can provide you with the best care. They also specialize in preventive care. The benefits of seeing a podiatrist include:
Expert Diagnosis
A podiatrist can accurately assess your symptoms, do a thorough exam, and order the appropriate diagnostics to get the proper diagnosis. This is the first step in developing the best treatment plan to address your specific needs. We have all the right equipped to help diagnose any foot or ankel condition.
Comprehensive Lower Limp Care
A podiatrist offers complete and targeted care for every injury and condition related to feel, ankles, and lower limbs. This help patients find relief from their problems faster and prevents progressions of their condition.
Targeted Pain Relief
Only a lower limb expert can find the best medicine or treatment to help you find relief from your pain as fast as possible. We offer a number of strategies that allow our patient to live pain free and improve their mobility.
Better Management of Chronic Conditions
If you suffer from a chronic condition, it is important to see a professional that can help you manage it. This involves regular exams and preventive strategies. You will work one on one with your podiatrist to come up with a plan that works best to help you manage your condition.
Appropriate Care for Sports Injuries
Sports injuries to the foot and ankles are common and can be difficult to recovery from. A podiatrist can help you recovery safely and quickly to get you back in action.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are better and more effective than the store bought kind. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, gait, and biomechanics to determine if the orthotic device for you. They can provide support, correct alignment problems, and improve foot function. Properly treating these problems will better prevent injuries, alleviate foot pain, and enhance overall foot comfort and stability.
Education and Preventive Care
Podiatrists are dedicated to the health and function of feet and ankles. They know how to prevent many common injuries and ailments. Our foot doctors can provide you with valuable knowledge on what to do to prevent common foot problems. This will include proper foot hygiene, how to pick the best footwear, how to prevent injuries in the particular activity you are involved in, and how to spot potential issues in the early stages.
Schedule an Exam & Consultation Today
Our team at Newtown Foot and Ankles Specialists offers full-service podiatry services in Newtown, PA. We are committed to providing the highest level of care and customer service to those in need. If you would like to explore our services, or you are searching for an experienced podiatrist in Newtown, PA, call 215.234.3772 for more information, or request an appointment online anytime.