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 toenails, warts, corns and calluses. A podiatrist also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel. In addition to undergraduate medical school training, podiatrists also attend graduate school for a doctorate degree in podiatry. 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 and lab tests.
  • Prescribe or fits patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.
  • Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

Ansonia Office

364 East Main Street
Ansonia, CT 06401
P: (203) 734-4806
F: (203) 734-8265
Monday 9:00am-11:45am 1:00pm-5:00pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 9:00am-11:45am 1:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday 9:00am-11:45am 2:00pm-4:00pm
Friday 9:00am-12:00pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Shelton Office

4 Corporate Drive, Suite 384
Shelton, CT 06484
P: (203) 734-4806
F: (203) 734-8265
Monday Closed
Tuesday 8:30am-12:00pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 1:00pm-5:00pm
Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed