You may be asking yourself, why should I visit a podiatrist for help with my foot concerns? A doctor of podiatric medicine, commonly called a podiatrist, diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent injuries and health conditions in the lower extremities. A podiatrist in New York City must be licensed to care for foot conditions, and in some areas, this licensure may also allow them to treat the lower legs and ankle areas. Although their training differs somewhat from traditional medical doctors, they are highly qualified and often the best choice to trust with your foot problems.
How Does Someone Become A Podiatrist?
While podiatrists follow a different education plan than medical doctors, their education is very similar. First, they must complete a pre-med accredited degree, usually focusing on biology. Then, a four-year degree at an approved podiatric school follows their undergraduate study. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) currently recognizes only nine schools approved for studying podiatry. After they complete a podiatry school degree, future podiatrists must complete a three-year residency at a hospital. This residency gives them a more comprehensive range of experience before progressing to a dedicated podiatry clinic or hospital. In addition, it allows them to interact with other medical care teams and staff to fully understand the continuum of care their patients deserve.
To start in practice, a podiatry student must pass the National Board Exams and hold a license to practice in their state. A licensed podiatrist has the rights and privileges of a physician in the United States and must renew their state licensure periodically. In addition, a doctor of podiatric medicine may obtain advanced certification as a surgeon or specialize in other areas like treating children or sports injuries.
You do not need to wait for something to go wrong before visiting a podiatrist. Individuals with healthy feet should schedule regular checkups with a podiatrist like Best Foot Doctor in New York City (NYC). We can help ensure your feet stay healthy and support your life. In addition, if you find yourself with minor foot concerns like corns or calluses, we can often complete a removal procedure in as little as one office visit.
How to Find a Podiatrist in New York City (NYC)
If you don’t know where to start looking for a doctor specializing in foot and ankle medicine, here are a few places you can begin.
- Your primary care physician may be able to recommend a reliable podiatrist. If you receive a referral to visit a podiatrist, the physician giving the referral can help you find a good podiatrist.
- Most insurance companies will have foot specialists who are covered (in-network) and some who are out-of-network. Your insurance company can help you determine which podiatrists in your NYC area are more likely to be covered by your plan.
- Online resources like the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American Podiatric Medical Association provide accessible information online about specific podiatrists. The search tools on these resources can help you narrow down your search.
What to Look for in a Podiatrist
Many podiatrists are available in New York City, but how will you know which one to pick? Trusting your foot health is a podiatrist is an important decision. Evaluating the three areas listed below may help you narrow down your choices.
- How long has this podiatrist been practicing? What are their expertise and specialty? Most podiatrists will have similar areas of knowledge and experience, but if you are looking to treat a specific condition, finding a podiatrist specializing in treating it could be very helpful. Best Foot Doctor has a well-rounded staff with several different areas of specialty. Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov and the Best Foot Doctor NY team are highly experienced in Bunion Treatment and Surgery, Hammertoe Surgery, Foot X-Rays, Toenail Fungus Treatment, Achilles Tendon Repair, and Flatfoot Correction Surgery, among many other treatments we offer.
- References from people you know personally in the NYC area who have suffered foot injuries or illnesses before may help you find a good doctor. If they had a good experience with treatment, that could help validate your choice. A bad experience may help you think twice before trying a particular podiatrist, but understand that every patient is unique. A podiatrist that is not a good fit for a friend or coworker could still work well for you.
- Does the podiatrist have office hours that are convenient for you? How is the commute? Many patients have difficulty keeping appointments that interfere with their regular schedules or require them to be stuck in traffic for a long time.
What Does A Podiatrist Do?
Many people visit a podiatrist because of a concern about their foot health. However, even people with healthy feet can benefit from regular checkups to ensure everything is in order.
Some common conditions that the Best Foot Doctor podiatrists specialize in treating include:
- Bunion Surgery
- Hammertoe Surgery
- Ingrown Toenails
- Toenail Fungus Treatment
- Achilles Tendon Repair
- Ankle Arthroscopy
- Corn Removal
- Haglund’s Deformity Surgery
- Heel Spur Syndrome
- Flat Foot Correction
- Planter Wart Treatment
- Foot Surgery
- Mallet Toe Surgery
- Overlapping Toe Procedure
- Subungual Exostosis
- Thickened Deformity Toenails
- Bleomycin Injections
Podiatrists often treat patients with diabetes to keep their feet healthy and prevent nerve loss or amputation. One of the significant advantages of having a podiatrist on your medical care team is that because foot health is closely related to the rest of the body, podiatrists may identify cardiovascular disease before other physicians.
Top 12 Reasons People Visit Best Foot Doctor in New York City (NYC)
Best Foot Doctor in New York City (NYC) treats many patients monthly at our Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn locations. Many of our patients come to see us for common foot pain concerns, and our experienced staff is fully equipped to help. Here are the top twelve reasons people come to see us.
- Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes painful inflammation in the foot tendons. This pain commonly presents first thing in the morning or after sitting for an extended time. Plantar fasciitis pain feels like stabbing or shooting. It can occur for only a short time or be an ongoing concern. Plantar fasciitis is treated with stretching, anti-inflammatory medicine, orthotics, and in advanced cases, surgery.
- Heel Pain
There are many causes of heel pain, including Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, or plantar fasciitis. In addition, individuals who do not adequately stretch before workouts may also injure their heels during activity. Most heel pain is treatable, but severe cases may require surgery.
- Achilles Tendonitis
Many people have heard of the Achilles heel (a muscle in the heel) regarding sports injuries, but Achilles tendonitis affects many people in daily activities. Achilles tendonitis is a heel inflammation that can cause severe pain. If the pain and inflammation are extreme, a person may be unable to raise or lower their foot, preventing them from walking.
- Calluses
Calluses are hardened skin buildup on joints or areas where the foot frequently contacts shoes. The constant rubbing causes calluses which, if left untreated, can form cracks and lead to infections if not treated properly.
- Corns
Corns are similar to calluses with some differences. They often focus on one specific location and may also have inflamed skin in the general area. Corns should be treated once recognized to prevent further inflammation or cracked skin.
- Bunions
One of the most common reasons individuals visit our clinics is for bunion treatment. Painful bunions often form when the big toe is cramped or stressed and bends out at the joint. Bunions can be intensely painful and inconvenient and generally do not correct themselves without treatment. Many of our patients find relief with improvements in footwear or braces, but advanced cases may require surgery.
- Life Changes
If you are considering starting a running program or increasing or starting an exercise program, it is a good idea to be checked out by a podiatrist before beginning. We can help give tips on stretches, warmups, and ways to work into a more intense program without hurting your feet. In addition, podiatrists often provide recommendations on proper footwear and orthotics if necessary.
- Ingrown Toenails
While ingrown toenails are generally preventable, many people do not understand the necessity of adequately caring for their toenails. Therefore, we often help patients curb ingrown toenails by showing them how to trim them properly. In addition, some individuals are genetically predisposed to get ingrown toenails and visit our offices for help with pain relief and treatment.
- Neuromas
When a small cyst (called a neuroma) appears in the ball of the foot, it can feel like stepping on a marble. This condition may also be Morton’s neuroma, which we often see at Best Foot Doctor. The pain from neuromas can make walking impossible if the condition becomes severe.
- Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus
The HPV virus causes these two foot troubles, and people often contract it in public areas like pools, locker rooms, and showers. You can prevent yourself from contracting this troublesome virus by wearing shoes in public places and keeping your feet clean and dry.
- Healthy Feet Checkups
Individuals without a foot condition often see us at Best Foot Doctor for checkups. We can help trim toenails, give advice on how to care for your feet, and address any concerns you may have.
- Diabetes
Many of our patients at Best Foot Doctor of New York City (NYC) have diabetes. We can help these patients keep their foot health on track and prevent any ulcers or conditions that could aggravate their health concerns.
How to Find a Podiatrist in New York City (NYC)
If you are looking for a new podiatrist in NYC or trying to find one for the first time, Best Foot Doctor in New York City (NYC) has offices in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan for your convenience. With available openings that are convenient for your schedule and offices in your neighborhood, we may be a good fit for you and your family. Give our offices a call today to schedule an appointment.