Why Should You See a Podiatrist?
When everything is working as it should, it’s easy to take the feet and ankles for granted. But, really, they are among nature’s most complex structures. Your feet and ankles contain over one-quarter of the 206 bones in your body, all working in harmony and supported by over 100 muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue structures.
With all that happening, it’s not surprising that it’s easy for something to go wrong. Foot and ankle injuries, fungal infections, and other illnesses are common. Further, whole-body illnesses such as diabetes can have profound effects on foot health.
The good news is that your foot doctor is ready to help you take good care of your feet, ankles, and lower legs. When you see the letters DPM after your doctor’s name, it means that she or he is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, a specialist who has years of training and experience caring for this part of your body. To earn these credentials, your foot doctor has gone through years of rigorous training including a hospital residency. Some podiatrists then go on to advanced study to specialize in fields such as pediatrics, sports medicine, or surgery.
Your visit to the podiatrist’s office will begin with a thorough examination of your feet and ankles, often involving imaging tests such as x-rays. With the information gleaned, your podiatrist will arrive at a specific and accurate diagnosis of your issue, and then work with you to create an effective and individualized plan for treatment and ongoing care as necessary. When necessary, your podiatrist will prescribe medication. Many podiatrists can even perform operations to correct bunions, hammertoes, and other issues.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.