Podiatrists specialize in conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They provide medical and surgical treatment for people of all ages with such conditions as bunions, sports injuries, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and infections. Podiatrists are also experts in preventing foot and ankle injuries and serious complications, such as gangrene and amputation.
A podiatrist typically:
Evaluates a patient’s medical history and any previous test results
Educates the patient about foot and ankle injury prevention
Performs a physical exam that includes evaluation of blood pressure and vital signs, general health, and potential and current injuries
Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic injuries and conditions of the foot and ankle
Provides direct care for foot and ankle injuries and conditions in the office and clinic, and may perform surgery in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center
Prescribes orthotic devices and insoles (shoe inserts)
Works closely with your primary care doctor and other members of your healthcare team to provide optimal care
A podiatrist may also be known by the following names: foot doctor, foot surgeon, podiatric surgeon, foot specialist, and doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM).
There are 160 specialists practicing Podiatry in South Carolina with an overall average rating of 4.2 stars. There are 50 hospitals in South Carolina with affiliated Podiatry specialists, including Roper Hospital, Lexington Medical Center and Trident Medical Center.
