The Role of Podiatrists in Foot and Ankle Health: Beyond Nail Trimming

As patients get older, and with wear and tear from working, walking a lot, or athletic activity, there is an increased chance of developing foot problems over time. Whether your feet are hurting, injured, or in generally good condition, you should know the role of a podiatrist and what this type of doctor can do for you. Dr. Brian Lynn and Dr. David Sacrestano, the podiatrists at Comprehensive Podiatric Care in Great Neck, Mineola, and Uniondale, NY, provide a range of services to patients in need of urgent foot care or maintenance.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a specialist who focuses on the care and treatment of the feet, toes, heels, and ankles. Though doctors and patients prefer non-invasive solutions, podiatrists can also perform certain foot surgeries when needed, like bunionectomy and foot fracture procedures. The American Podiatric Medical Association estimates that about 77 percent of Americans have had some level of foot pain or a foot-related condition that could benefit from treatment or advice from a qualified podiatrist.

Beyond Nail Trimming

One of the most common treatments that podiatrists provide is maintenance of the toenails and toes of diabetic patients. Improperly trimmed toenails can lead to ingrown toenails that could cause wounds and ulcers. But podiatrists do more than just nail trimming. They provide an array of services to patients ranging from athletes to manual laborers who spend a lot of time on their feet. Podiatrists help patients in the following ways:

• Diagnose foot conditions using X-rays and physical exams.
• Correct foot abnormalities and deformities.
• Prescribe medications.
• Adjust or reset bones.
• Refer the patient to a physical therapist.
• Provide advice about footwear, diet, and how to minimize stress on the feet when you’re active.

Some Common Foot Treatments

These are some of the most common ways that the podiatrists at Comprehensive Podiatric Care in Great Neck, Mineola, and Uniondale, NY, can help care for your feet:

• Corticosteroid injections to relieve pain in the joints and tissues of the feet.
• Icing and heat therapy.
• Wrap, brace, or cast the feet so that they can heal.
• Create custom orthotics that can be inserted into the shoes for everyday wear.

Make Time to See a Podiatrist

If it's been a while since you've seen a doctor about your feet or you have never seen a podiatrist before, now may be the right time to make an appointment. Call for more information at (516) 627-5775 for the office in Great Neck, NY, (516) 746-2059 for the office in Mineola, NY, and (516) 483-8895 for the office in Uniondale, NY today to set a time to visit podiatrists Dr. Brian Lynn and Dr. David Sacrestano at Comprehensive Podiatric Care in Great Neck, Mineola, and Uniondale, NY.