A podiatrist is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists care for patients of all ages and offer specialties such as general podiatry, sports medicine, and pediatric foot care. Common issues include heel pain, ingrown toenails, bunions, flat feet, and sports injuries. Symptoms may include swelling, pain while walking, stiffness, or changes in foot structure or skin. Causes can range from genetics and poor footwear to overuse, injury, or underlying conditions like diabetes and arthritis. These problems may feel like dull aches, sharp pains, or persistent discomfort and can affect daily movement and quality of life. A podiatrist can perform a physical examination, order imaging if needed,  provide custom orthotics, perform minor procedures, or suggest preventive care. Pediatric podiatrists address growing feet, while sports podiatrists treat athletic injuries. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to keep your feet healthy and active.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flexible flatfoot is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse under weight, often causing discomfort during walking or standing. Orthotic insoles can provide essential support by redistributing pressure, stabilizing the arches, and improving overall foot alignment. In different walking conditions, such as uneven surfaces, inclines, or long distances, orthotics help reduce strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints, minimizing pain and fatigue. By enhancing stability and cushioning, these insoles improve balance and prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend the most effective orthotic devices, and guide you through proper use and adjustment. If you have flat feet that cause discomfort, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to explore customized solutions for lasting relief.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spur removal is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate pain caused by bony growths on the underside of the heel. Indications for this procedure include chronic heel pain that does not improve with conservative treatments, such as orthotics or anti-inflammatory measures. Heel spurs often develop due to repetitive stress, plantar fasciitis, or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and tenderness. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, exploring non-surgical options, or determining if surgery is necessary for lasting relief. If heel pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and care.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly. Variants include flexible flat feet, where the arch appears when not standing, rigid flat feet with no visible arch, adult acquired flat feet that develop over time, and vertical talus, a rare congenital condition, causing a “rocker-bottom” appearance of the foot. Causes may involve genetics, injury, arthritis, or muscle and tendon dysfunction. Symptoms include foot pain, swelling, and difficulty standing or walking for long periods. A podiatrist can assess the type of flat feet you have, provide custom orthotics, recommend strengthening exercises, and address any underlying conditions. If flat feet are causing discomfort or mobility issues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.