Podiatry is a field of medicine that strives to improve the overall health and well-being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are physicians and surgeons who practice on the lower extremities, primarily on feet and ankles. The skills of podiatric physicians are in increasing demand because disorders of the foot and ankle are among the most widespread and neglected health problems.
The preparatory education of most DPMs includes four years of undergraduate work, followed by four years in an accredited podiatric medical school, followed by a hospital-based residency. DPMs are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to diagnose and treat the foot and its related or governing structures by medical, surgical, or other means. The vast majority of states also include ankle care as part of the podiatric physician’s scope of practice.
Typically, we will begin with an initial consultation to determine the extent of the condition. Once we are able to evaluate the patient and offer a treatment plan, we may suggest a variety of different options:
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Casts or splints
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Medications to ease pain
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Orthotic pads or inserts
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Patient education
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Shoe fittings
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Surgical options
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Wound care
We also offer a variety of procedures including:
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Biopsy of skin lesions
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Bunionectomies
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Forefoot surgery
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Hammer toe repair
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Heel pain/heel spur surgery
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Incision and drainage of infection
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Ingrown toenail surgery
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Rearfoot surgery
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Removal of foreign bodies
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Steroid injections
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Wart removal
Many of our treatments and procedures can be completed within our office. We feature on-site x-ray to help pinpoint any problem areas if necessary. In addition, we offer a procedure room that allows patients to have their treatment completed in our office setting.
Depending on the extent of your condition, we may recommend a surgical procedure or diabetic wound care. Both of these treatment options will be performed by your physician within the hospital setting at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center located just down the street from our office.
We accept most national insurance carriers, Blue Cross, Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans and private pay. For your convenience, the office accepts cash, check, Visa, Mastercard & Discover.
If your insurance company requires a referral, you must call your primary care physician for a referral before your appointment. if a referral is necessary and you show for your appointment without it, your insurance company many not cover your expenses and payment will be required at time of service.
If your insurance company does not require a referral, you may schedule an appointment at your convenience.
You may purchase any of the following products directly through our office:
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Clear Nail Pro antifungal nail polish
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Dr. Jill’s pads silcone pads for pain at the ball of the foot; fits well in high heels
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Miracle foot cream for dry skin
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Revitaderm comes with a pumice stone and brush; good for dry, cracked heels.
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Formadon antiperspirant for sweaty feet
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Onox for foot odor and sweating
We can help you with custom pads, inserts and other orthotics. We also recommend the following shoe manufacturer, available for both diabetic and non-diabetic use.
We do offer toenail clipping as part of our services. For some patients, it may be difficult to perform the task on their own. Keeping your nails trim and clean are essential to your overall foot health, especially if you’re diabetic.
We can also help patients who may be looking for an alternative to a traditional pedicure. We can help with ingrown, fungal or bruised nails. We even offer medicated nail polish to help treat the problem area.