- WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I VISIT A PODIATRIST?
- WHAT DO I DO WHEN I GET TO THE CLINIC?
- Please report to reception desk on arrival and give your name. The Podiatrist will call you into the clinic
when he is ready. If you do not report to reception, it may result in you being seen late or not at-all.
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- DO I NEED PODIATRIC CARE?
- Most people suffer from some kind of foot disorder - from athlete's foot or ingrown nails to bunions, hammertoes or corns. Tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes are often the culprit, but heredity, poor foot care, injuries, or medical conditions can also cause problems. Whatever the state of your feet, your podiatrist can treat your problem to restore your comfort and ease of movement.
WHAT IS A PODIATRIST?
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I VISIT A PODIATRIST?
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I GET TO THE CLINIC?
DO I NEED PODIATRIC CARE?
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?
WHAT ARE MY CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER SURGERY?
WHAT IS A PODIATRIST?
A Foot and Ankle Specialist
Podiatrist is a medical professionals trained to keep feet and ankles healthy and working well. Your podiatrist uses a wide range of therapies and surgery to treat conditions related to foot structure and function. He can also teach you how to avoid foot problems in the future. Your podiatrist consults with the other members of your health care team, such as your primary care physician. Together, their goal is to provide you with the best possible overall medical care.
Believe it or not, you will likely walk about 115,000 miles in your lifetime - equal to more than four times around the earth. It's no wonder, then, that most people develop foot problems at some point in their lives.
A Podiatrist is a highly trained Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Achieving this title takes years of study and clinical practice. After completing a four-year bachelor's degree program, a student goes on to a four-year podiatry medical school. He receives further trainingthrough residency and continuing education programs. Residency programs are completed at teaching hospitals. Continuing eduction is part of the podiatrist's routine, even after formal training has been completed. By attending courses and seminars, podiatrists prepare for state and national certifying boards and stay informed about the most recent advances in podiatric care.
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No matter what your age or foot problem, your podiatrist is the professional to turn to for prompt, effective care. Your feet are the bottom line for your health and well-being. So, see your podiatrist for symptoms relief or corrective treatment at the first sign of foot trouble.
Your First Visit - Podiatric Evaluation and Treatment
When you first visit Canyon Foot & Ankle, you may be given a thorough medical evaluation to diagnose your foot problem. The podiatrist, Dr. Cory Pilling, takes your medical history, conducts a physical exam, and performs tests as needed. Once a diagnosis is made, your podiatrist develops a treatment plan designed to relieve your discomfort or correct the foot problem. Your treatment may include a variety of nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Your podiatrist can also give you helpful tips for avoiding foot problems in the future.
Foot problems tend to grow worse over the years because of wear and tear. And feet are one of the most frequently injured parts of the body because we use them constantly.
Medical History
Feet are a measure of your overall health. For example, conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, arthritis, kidney disorders, and anemia often affect feet first. To help diagnose your condition, your podiatrist may ask you questions about your medical history and any symptoms you may have.
Physical Examination
Your podiatrist may take your blood pressure and check your temperature and breathing. He or she may also check your gait (the way you walk) and examine and move your feet. To evaluate circulation (blood flow) in your feet, your podiatrist may check their pulse, skin color, and temperature. Your ankles, knees, and hips may be examined to see if they are contributing to your foot problems.
Diagnostic Tests
Your podiatrist often requests x-rays. These may be taken right in the office. Other imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect damage to soft tissue. Urine, blood, and vascular (blood flow) tests can also help diagnose a foot condition or health problem.
Your Treatment Plan
After making a diagnosis, your podiatrist plans your treatment to give relief and help correct the problem. Your plan may include nonsurgical or surgical treatments.
Nonsurgical Treatment - general care such as trimming nails and corns and padding your feet can help keep your feet healthy and relieve discomfort.
Medications - applied to the skin, taken orally, or injected, can be effective in treating a variety of foot problems.
Physical therapy - including ultrasound (sound wave therapy), whirlpool therapy, exercise, casts, splints, and taping, can aid healing and relieve pain and swelling.
Orthotics - also known as orthoses or inlays, are devices custom fit to your feet and put into shoes. They help you stand, walk, or run more comfortably.
Surgical Treatment - your podiatrist is trained to perform any kind of surgery on your feet. You may have surgery in your podiatrist's office, in a same-day facility, or in a hospital.
Preventing Future Problems - your podiatrist can give you tips to follow at home to help keep your feet fit and healthy through the years.
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Problems in your feet can lead to pain in your hips, knees and lower back. Take a moment to read this list of conditions or problems. If you find you might be suffering from one or more of these items, a visit to your podiatrist may be just the help your feet need.
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MEDICAL CONDITIONS
BONE PROBLEMS
SKIN PROBLEMS
SOFT TISSUE PROBLEMS
Nerve Conditions
If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent or guardian contact us on your behalf.
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If you have any further questions: please contact us.