Podiatrists have the letters DPM following their name after they have completed all required education. It is an abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and these types of specialists treat ailments of the foot and ankle. Their mandatory education consists of completing four years of college to obtain a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of training in a podiatric college. A hospital residency is next for continued education where studies involve intense training on feet, ankles, and the conditions associated with them. The entire length of school is a minimum of seven years and may be followed by pursuing a fellowship. If you have a specific foot condition that needs treatment it is beneficial to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer correct treatment techniques rather than an MD who does not specialize in the feet. If this is a career choice you may be considering, visiting with a podiatrist is a good opportunity to decide if this is a desired field of medicine for you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Livonia, and Southfield, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.