Podiatry

Podiatry is the branch of medicine that covers disorders, diseases, and conditions affecting the feet.  Your feet are complex; proper foot care requires a specialist with extensive training in foot anatomy and function. 

Foot Pain Facts

  1. 75% of Americans will experience foot problems at one time or another in their lives.
  2. 25% of all the bones in the human body are down in your feet. When these bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of your body.

Many foot injuries are orthopedic in nature, which means they affect the musculoskeletal system. That’s where your Avalon Medical Center podiatrist comes in to help. Avalon Medical Center offers convenient, comprehensive podiatry services in the same location where you get your orthopedic care.

Foot problems can happen at any age, but certain groups are more susceptible to foot issues. For example, patients with diabetes have a high risk of foot problems. Diabetes impairs your circulation and often damages foot nerves (peripheral neuropathy), two factors that come together to increase the risk of complications like foot ulcers.

Podiatry care can include conservative options such as custom orthotics, diabetic foot care, electrical stimulation, taping, and bracing. Your podiatrist may recommend extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, or stem cell injections for the situations where conservative care isn’t sufficient.

Treated Conditions:

  • Bunions
  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Heel spurs
  • Hammertoe
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Plantar warts
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Diabetic foot ulcers
  • Sports injuries in the feet

Podiatry — Frequently Asked Questions

They handle foot and ankle problems of all kinds — bunions, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, diabetic-related foot concerns, and even sports injuries.

Often, no. Many insurance plans allow direct appointments, but a few still require a referral. It’s worth confirming with your provider before you book.

Yes. They can find what’s causing the problem and use treatments such as custom orthotics, injections, or small in-office procedures to help.

Very. Regular foot exams can help prevent ulcers, infections, and, in serious cases, limb loss. For diabetic patients, it’s a key part of care.

It depends on the surgery. Smaller procedures can be handled in the office. More complex cases are usually done in an outpatient hospital setting.