What is a podiatrist?

Young Pediatric Patient Sitting Through Laser Therapy Treatment for the Foot and Ankle

A podiatrist, also called a doctor of pediatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to sprains and fractures, bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns, and calluses. A podiatrist also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle, and heel. In addition to undergraduate medical school training, podiatrists also attend graduate school for a doctorate degree in podiatry.

Podiatrists are required to take state and national exams, as well as be licensed by the state in which they practice. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are more than 17,800 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country. Typically, podiatrists consult with the patient and other physicians on how to prevent foot problems. Such as:

  • Diagnosing and treating tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities.
  • Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions, claw toes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, ruptured Achilles, and other ligaments and tendons.
  • Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and lab tests.
  • Prescribe or fit patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.
  • Treat other conditions (including bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and Plantar Fasciitis).

Podaitry and subspecialties

Contact our Scottsdale podiatrist

Thank you for visiting Footcare Physicians of Scottsdale, PLLC, the office of Dr. Steven Burns and home to Arizona Foot Doctors. We have an office in Scottsdale, Arizona and work with outpatient services throughout the Phoenix area to offer you the most advanced and efficient care for your foot or ankle condition. Our office is located just North of Shea Blvd. and West of 92nd Street in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Burns created Arizona Foot Doctors for those people interested in learning about common foot disorders including, but not limited to arthritis, bone spurs, bunions, diabetes, heel pain, and ingrown toenails. Directions to our Scottsdale podiatry office are available here on the website and Dr. Burns can usually see new patients within a few business days. Arizonafootdoctors.com is a great place to learn about foot problems, healthy foot tips, and current podiatric practices.

Dr. Burns welcomes children’s’ foot problems, sport and accident injuries to the foot and ankle, diabetic patients and those patients with special needs. Contact us today at arizonafootdoctors.com or by calling our Scottsdale podiatry office to schedule an appointment. For general questions about Footcare Physicians of Scottsdale, PLLC, Dr. Steven Burns, or Arizona Foot Doctors, please contact the office info@arizonafootdoctors.com.