Items filtered by date: February 2023

A podiatrist is a medical professional that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions. In some states, podiatrists can also treat ankle and lower limb issues. Podiatrists must obtain a 4-year bachelor’s degree, attend four years of podiatric medical school, and undergo residency training for three or more years in hospitals or clinics. After completing training, they must pass a series of board certification exams. Once fully licensed in their state, they can show the letters DPM after their names, which stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. If they choose to specialize, they must complete a fellowship and pass certification exams in the area(s) of specialization. This can include a variety of sub-specialties, including but not limited to orthotics, diabetes, and pediatric foot care. Though podiatrists are not technically physicians, they undergo as much training as medical doctors. Podiatrists differ from orthopedists in that they treat lower limb disorders and not musculoskeletal disorders of the body. If you are suffering from pain, numbness, or swelling in your feet or have any questions related to the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can talk to you at length.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot corns and calluses are small areas of thick, raised, and hardened skin on the feet. These result from excessive friction or pressure on the skin and can cause pain. Calluses generally occur on the soles of the feet, around the toes. They are larger and flatter than corns. Corns tend to be smaller, circular in shape, and yellow or white in color. Corns press into deeper layers of the skin and are usually found on the top, side, or in-between toes. Usually, these come from wearing ill-fitting shoes and doing a lot of walking. Corns and calluses are usually not serious and can be dealt with by practicing good foot hygiene, wearing shoes that fit well, and using shoe inserts. Sometimes, medicine is required, and if they become infected or cause ulcers, surgery might also be necessary. If you have corns or calluses that do not respond to better foot care and footwear, and if they appear to be worsening, it is wise to see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment suggestions.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pointe is a particular kind of ballet dance that is especially thrilling and challenging. Pointe dancers essentially put all of their weight on the tips of their toes. These dancers must wear special shoes to support this activity. Given the extraordinary nature of the type of dance, pointe dancers can consider performing special foot stretches. These foot stretches are ultimately meant to increase resilience in the feet and strengthen the muscles of the feet. A pointe dancer might consider warming up their feet by gently rolling out their feet with a tennis ball. This can be performed from a seated position and placing the tennis ball beneath each foot, one at a time. Also, from a seated position, you might consider strengthening the feet and ankle areas by pointing your toes and writing the alphabet with the foot in the air. If you are a pointe dancer, contact a podiatrist today. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several bones in the ankle that can break from a foot injury. Falling is a common reason to incur a broken ankle, or if it suddenly rolls inward or outward. These types of actions can stretch the ankle joint beyond its normal range, and ligaments may tear. The symptoms that many people experience with a broken ankle can consist of immediate bruising and swelling, and it is extremely difficult to walk. Additional symptoms can include a numbing sensation, and bruising may gradually radiate to the entire foot. A crack, break, or chip in the ankle are considered to fall in the category of a broken ankle, and an X-ray is generally performed that can determine the extent of the injury. This is followed by wearing a protective boot or cast, which can help to complete daily activities. The recovery time for a broken ankle can take several weeks, and this timeframe may be increased if there are complications. If you have broken your ankle, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the treatment method that is correct for you.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.