Your feet and ankles are among the most important parts of your body. They support your body weight, get you from one place to another, and stabilize and balance the rest of you.
When something goes wrong with your feet or ankles, you might need to visit a podiatrist like Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, at Mission Viejo, California’s Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle. Discover what a podiatrist does and when it’s time to visit one.
Podiatrists are doctors who are specialists in everything related to your feet and ankles. They obtain a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, which requires attending four years of podiatry school after receiving a bachelor’s degree.
Podiatry school equips podiatrists to care for any type of short or long-term issue that occurs in the foot or ankle area. Conditions they often treat include:
Podiatrists work in specialist clinics, like Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle, and alongside other kinds of doctors in hospitals and medical centers.
Many signs can indicate you need to see a podiatrist. They include:
There’s no one better equipped to handle problems in your ankles and feet. Examples of foot and ankle symptoms that often require podiatry care include:
You should also see a podiatrist if you notice changes in the structure or appearance of your foot, like developing flat feet or bunions.
General medical doctors or urgent care facilities have generalist knowledge that includes some foot and ankle care. However, for anything beyond basic foot and ankle care, you should see a podiatrist or request a referral from your primary care doctor.
In some situations, you might start treatment with a general practitioner who then refers you to podiatry care for additional, specialized treatment. For example, you can get initial care for a fracture or ankle sprain in the emergency room then receive further care from a podiatrist.
Certain medical conditions mean your feet need to be regularly monitored. One common condition this includes is diabetes, which makes you more prone to diabetic ulcers that can cause infections and gangrene.
Poor circulation, arthritis, and high cholesterol are other conditions that can require regular visits to the podiatrist. If you have chronic conditions that affect your feet, Dr. Rambacher coordinates care with the rest of your medical team.
Podiatrists offer the best diagnostic tools and treatment plans to fix any foot or ankle issue. Conservative treatment, such as medication, physical therapy, custom orthotics, and casts or a walking boot, can treat many problems. Minimally invasive and reconstructive surgery are also possible solutions.
Contact us to make an appointment at Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle.
