When looking at the skeletal system, the human foot is one of the most complex components. After all, there are 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments as well as 33 joints and 26 bones in the foot. Did you know that this makes up roughly 25% of the bones for the entire human body?

Whenever you find that you have some kind of issue with your ankle or foot, it is natural to wonder where to go for treatment. Podiatrists specialize in this area.

• A podiatrist offers a specialized focus on treating the foot and ankle.
• Podiatrists go through extensive training during podiatry school and complete a surgical residency, receiving experience is all aspects of foot and ankle surgery.
• They treat the entire foot and ankle, including the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, skin and nails and have extensive training in extremity biomechanics.

Podiatrists are specialists trained to help patients with the foot and ankle, which will include a wealth of conditions, injuries, and health concerns. No matter what it is that you are dealing with concerning your foot or ankle, it will always be best to seek out the help and guidance of a podiatrist first, as they are experts solely focused on foot and ankle treatment.

As a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, a podiatrist has completed four years of undergraduate school as well as four years at a fully accredited podiatric medical school where they learn about all aspect of medicine and the human body. In addition to this education, podiatrists complete at least three years of a foot and ankle surgical residency where they work and train with all aspects of medicine including orthopedics, vascular surgery, infectious disease, internal medicine, physical therapy, biomechanics and psychology, just to name a few, with the majority of the training focused on the foot and ankle. Many podiatrists continue on and complete a 1 year fellowship where they receive additional training in special aspects of foot care. All of this training results is the ability to provide comprehensive care of the foot and ankle from surgical reconstruction to the creation of orthotics and bracing, and everything in between.

This means that if you have been injured due to sports, exercise, dancing, or anything else, you will benefit from making an appointment to see a podiatrist as your first course of action. A podiatrist will provide a consultation that will give you a full analysis of your issue, and you will also be able to receive treatment, including foot and ankle pains, injuries, deformities, and more.

Conditions that are often treated by a podiatrist will include:

• Soft tissue injury such as heel pain and tendinitis.
• Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, flat feet or high arched feet.
• Ingrown and fungal toenails.
• Skin problems such as calluses, plantar warts and wounds.
• Traumatic injuries such as ankle sprains and fractures or dislocations.
• Joint problems such as arthritis
• Issues with the feet related to diabetes such as neuropathy, foot ulcerations, emergent foot infections and overall diabetic foot complication prevention.

When you are in need of assistance with any sort of foot or ankle problem, working with a podiatrist will give you the customized care and treatment that you need to get results. Before you know it, you will have the pain relief or assistance that you need to take on your daily activities. It is all about visiting a podiatrist that you can trust to give you quality services and the level of care that you deserve.

The podiatrists at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic can be there to help you with any of the concerns that you are having regarding proper foot and ankle health. Whether you have been injured or you are looking for ways to increase your mobility, this is the team to get you back on your feet. Call today at (425)482-6663 to set up a time to see Dr. Hall or (425)482-2484 to see for an initial consultation. We look forward to working with you and taking on all of your podiatry needs!