Podiatry

What Is Podiatry? 

Podiatry is a branch of medicine centered around the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions related to the foot. A podiatrist is a doctor who's received advanced training in this field and understands a wide variety of issues affecting the feet and ankles.

A podiatrist will approach a foot injury in a number of different ways. After an initial evaluation, if the injury is minor, they might suggest conservative treatment methods, such as compression and elevation. If the injury is more severe, they might suggest surgery.

At Mercy, our podiatrists are dedicated to treating your foot injury with empathy and understanding. We're committed to helping you make a full recovery, so you can resume your normal activities more quickly. 

When Should I See a Podiatrist? 

While some of the more common foot problems aren't life-threatening, you shouldn't wait until symptoms worsen to seek care. If you notice any pain or swelling around your feet or ankles that doesn't immediately get better, it may be a good idea to see a Mercy podiatrist.

Podiatrists are experts at getting to the bottom of a particular issue related the foot. It's critical to have a good understanding of a problem before discussing a plan to move forward or referring you to another Mercy specialist for more treatment.

Once you've seen a podiatrist at Mercy, you'll be able to message them directly on MyMercy+, our free app that helps you conveniently access information related to your care.

Get Foot and Ankle Care at Mercy

A Mercy podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), trained to treat a variety of conditions related to the foot and ankle, including: 

Treatments for conditions related to the foot depend on your particular injury and can vary across a wide spectrum, from more conservative to more extreme. Some common methods used by our doctors include: 

Your specific treatment plan will depend on many factors, including your overall health, personal preferences and foot condition.

After you see a podiatrist, it's possible that your doctor will refer you to a separate orthopedist for further evaluation or treatment. Thanks to Mercy's vast network of doctors and caregivers, seeing another Mercy specialist in a timely manner is both straightforward and easy.

Your care team will come up with a plan that makes sense for you and your lifestyle, helping you recover from injury or manage long-term symptoms. We'll monitor your progress while you're taking certain medications or following a physical therapy plan, adjusting treatment as needed.

Living with foot pain is uncomfortable at best and detrimental to your health at worst. Our devoted podiatrists are committed to providing you with excellent and compassionate care throughout your Mercy visit. It's an honor and a privilege to care for you. 

Whether you're looking for relief from an ingrown toenail or need help managing a long-term diabetic-related foot condition, a skilled Mercy podiatrist is here to get you back on your feet and moving again. Make an appointment today to see a specialist near you.