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A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a professional who is trained in the treatment of injuries or issues concerning a person's feet, ankles, or areas of the lower leg. When it comes to treatments, podiatrists have the ability to reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, request lab tests or x-rays, as well as perform surgery.

To become a podiatrist, one must complete 4 years of medical school, as well as 3 years of a residency where they gain real world experience working at a hospital. After those two requirements are completed, some choose to gain further certifications by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) in areas such as surgery of the foot and ankle.

A podiatrist may be of help to you if you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to conditions such as hammertoes, bunions, arthritis, heel pain, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, fungal nails, flat feet, plantar warts, or athlete’s foot, to name a few. They can also be useful if you are curious about maintaining general care for your feet, picking the correct shoe size, obtaining footwear inserts or orthotics, as well as suggesting stretches or exercises to help strengthen your feet.

If you’re experiencing any problems involving your feet, ankles, or lower leg areas, it is highly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist near you for a proper diagnosis and treatment regime.

THE COMPREHENSIVE DIABETIC FOOT EXAM (CDFE)

People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to serious complications. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy, which results in loss of feeling in your feet. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also cause problems. It is for this reason that the American Diabetes Association among others recommends that your healthcare provider perform a Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam (CDFE) up to four times a year.

WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE DIABETIC FOOT EXAM (CDFE)?

A CDFE is a comprehensive lower extremity physical examination combined with an educational and counseling session performed on people with diabetes. Your healthcare provider should perform a CDFE at lease annually - more often if you have foot problems. During this exam, your healthcare provider will check your feet for signs of pressure or friction, calluses, nail problems, red spots, and signs of infection. They will also evaluate the condition of your skin. The exam will include non-invasive tests to see if you have lost any feeling in your feet a simple examination of your circulation and if there is any change in the shape of your feet. The exam may turn up nothing, which means that your feet are in good condition. If changes are noted early, preventative measures can be taken. The CDFE concludes with an educational session to inform you about your specific risk factors and counseling on proper foot care.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

Nerve damage, poor circulation, and trouble fighting infections can make foot problems serious for people with diabetes. Nerve damage makes the skin and nails susceptible to injury. Healing is often slowed down or more difficult for people with diabetes. Skin breakdown can lead to chronic foot ulcers (long standing sores). The goal of the CDFE is to find any changes in your feet as early as possible. In most cases, proper care of your feet can prevent ulcers and the risk of amputation.

orthotics afo brace

What Are Ankle-Foot Orthoses?

Ankle-foot orthosesare braces worn at the ankle that encompass some or all of the foot. Conditions that affect the musculature or weaken the affected areacan require an orthosis to strengthen the muscles or rehabilitate them and other joints of the foot and ankle. Tight muscles that need to be lengthened and loosened also benefit from orthoses.

When we think of diseases that affect the musculature we think of the big boys: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio and multiple sclerosis. We rarely think that arthritis and stroke can affect the musculature, but these are both conditions that can negatively affect the muscles in your foot and ankle.

An orthosishelps to control range of motion, provide support by stabilizing walking, correct deformities, and manage pain loads. A podiatrist should be consulted for those who have experienced direct trauma to the foot or ankle, have an arthritic condition that is affecting their joints, or have developed another kind of muscular disease.

Both designs and materials for orthoses have dramatically improved, allowing for new levels of comfort, functionality, and appearance. Many orthosesare now made from plastics in the shape of an L and are designed to fit inside a corrective shoe. These can be rigid, buckling at the calf and extending the length of the foot to support the ankle. This same design, except with a hinged ankle, provides support while walking by normalizing the gait. In the past, boots lined with leather and fiberboard provided the rigidity needed for correction and support. Now, corrective shoes are available with built up soles to correct gait or manage pain by sharing it with another area when the foot spreads during walking. To determine what type of orthotic is most suited to your feet and needs, consult with your podiatrist.

To ensure your convenience, below is the information you need about our podiatry office, including our hours, location, appointment scheduling and insurance acceptance.

Appointments
If, for any reason, you cannot keep a scheduled appointment or will be delayed, please call as soon as possible. Charges may be incurred for appointments cancelled less than 24 hours before scheduled appointment time.

Insurance
Our office accepts a variety of HMOs, PPOs, and other health plans. Please call our office to verify acceptance of your insurance carrier.

Easley Office

700 N A St
Easley, SC 29640

(864) 306-0042

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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM