What is Podiatry? An Overview of Foot and Ankle Care

Podiatry is a medical specialty that diagnoses, treats, and prevents foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Todd Mann and Dr. Kyle Gleeson of the Indianapolis, Indiana-based AHP Foot & Wound Care Specialists provide comprehensive care for various issues that impact the lower extremities.

Key Aspects of Podiatry

To practice podiatry, one must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, which includes intensive residency training. Many DPMs choose specialties within podiatry in fields like biomechanics and radiology. Podiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and diagnostic tests and to perform surgery. The following are the primary aspects of podiatry -

• Diagnosis and Treatment
  Podiatrists evaluate and treat conditions related to the foot and ankle. This includes bunions, arthritis, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and sports injuries. With their specialized training, podiatrists can help manage symptoms from diabetes and other chronic health issues and proactively prevent problems like ulcers or infections. A podiatrist also helps with –
  • Nerve conditions requiring foot and ankle care.  
  • Nail/skin issues (e.g., warts, fungal infections).
  • Fractures.
• Preventive Foot and Ankle Care
  Podiatrists offer guidance on appropriate footwear, hygiene, and exercises to minimize one’s risk of developing foot complications.  More specifically, this may include – 
  • Gait analysis.
  • Custom orthotics.
  • Patient education regarding proper movement and posture.
• Surgical Care
  When necessary, podiatrists perform foot and ankle surgeries to help with deformities, tendon repair, and bone fusions.  Additionally, they often collaborate with other specialists, particularly for complex musculoskeletal or vascular issues.

Podiatric Specialties

A partial list of podiatric specialties includes –

• Foot Care for Diabetics - foot inspections and maintenance care for diabetics to prevent severe complications.
• Sports Podiatry - treating sports and overuse injuries.
• Pediatric Podiatry - treating developmental issues regarding gait or feet.
• Geriatric Foot Care - treating older adults with age-related wear and tear, including arthritis.

When to See a Podiatrist?

People commonly seek podiatric care for:

• Persistent foot or ankle pain.
• Swelling, numbness, or discoloration in the feet or ankles.
• Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet.
• Foot complications due to chronic diseases like diabetes or arthritis.

The feet are essential to daily life and mobility, so it is easy to see how podiatry plays an integral role in maintaining mobility and overall health. For more information, contact Dr. Mann and Dr. Gleeson or a staff associate of AHP Foot & Wound Care Specialists in Indianapolis, IN, at 317-218-4095 or online.