Podiatrist - Poughkeepsie
22 Fairmont Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 454-0630
What is a Podiatrist
A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, such as bunions, heel pain, spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toe nails, warts, corns and calluses. A podiatrist also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries to the foot, ankle and heel. In addition to an undergraduate degree, podiatrists also attend graduate school and obtain a doctorate degree in podiatry (DPM, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine). Podiatrists are required to take state and national exams, as well as be licensed by the state in which they practice.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are an estimated 15,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country.
Typically, podiatrists:
- Consult with patients and other physicians on how to prevent foot problems.
- Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities.
- Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions, clawtoes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, ruptured Achilles, and other ligaments and tendons.
- Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, circulation studies for PAD, nerve studies for neuropathies and lab tests.
- Prescribe or fit patients with inserts called orthotics that improve gait patterns.
- Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails and plantar fasciitis.
