What Can a Podiatrist Do for You?

A podiatrist is a medical specialist with years of specialized post-collegiate education, including a hospital residency. It makes your podiatrist the best-qualified medical professional to care for your feet, ankles, and lower legs. What can a podiatrist do for you? Here are seven things that Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos wants you to know:

1. As in so many things related to health and wellness, preventative care is key. It is the best way to diagnose existing and potential problems. Everyone should see a podiatrist at least once each year for a comprehensive examination.
2. Every day, your podiatrist helps people whose foot pain prevents them from wearing shoes, standing, walking, working, exercising, or even going about activities of daily living with ease. Many treatment options include temporary immobilization with a cast or boot, physical therapy, over-the-counter and prescription medication, and custom orthotics for cushioning and support.
3. Your podiatrist can perform many operations on your feet and ankles, including surgeries to correct bunions and hammertoes, removal of suspicious moles and skin cancers, and more.
4. Many foot health issues manifest with similar symptoms. For example, plantar fasciitis and tendinitis may first appear as heel pain. A podiatrist is skilled in determining the specific source of your problem, then offering appropriate treatment.
5. Some chronic illnesses such as diabetes can cause complications throughout the body, including in the feet. It’s essential to have a podiatrist on your health care team to monitor and treat issues such as diabetic ulcers and deep wounds that can be challenging to heal.
6. The 26 bones and 33 joints in each of your feet are highly vulnerable to painful diseases. Preventing and treating illnesses including gout, osteoporosis, and arthritis is just one way that a podiatrist cares for patients.
7. Toenail care can be a challenge. Mobility and flexibility issues make it challenging for some people to trim their nails, and many podiatrists can assist with this basic hygiene issue. Treating ingrown toenailsat home can create further infection; this job should be left to your foot doctor.

Take care of your feet and ankles. Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist  Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.