What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, also known as a DPM. A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to the following:
- Ingrown toenails
- Heel spurs
- Plantar warts
- Plantar fasciitis (pronounced "plantar fa-shee-itis")
- All skin diseases of the foot
- Orthopedic problems
- Sports injuries
- Sprains and fractures
- Bunions
- Heel pain/spurs
- Hammertoes
- Neuromas
- Corns and calluses
- Infections of the foot
- Injuries of the foot, ankle, and heel
- He treats all other foot deformities as well
A podiatrist must be a graduate of a pre-medical school in college, which is then followed by four very rigorous years of podiatric medical school in order to obtain their Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. Typically, one should choose a podiatrist who has also completed a post-graduate surgical residency training in medicine, orthopedics and surgery, as Dr. Berkey has completed. Podiatrists are required to take state and national exams, as well as be licensed by the state in which they practice. Additionally, podiatrists must obtain Continuing Medical Education credits through annual courses in order to maintain their licensure, board certification, and hospital privileges.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, (APMA,) there are more than 17,800 practicing podiatrists in the United States, although not all are board certified. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today due to increasing exercise, increased level of diseases, change of shoe wear, desire for cosmetic procedures, as well as elective surgical procedures. In addition, according to the Association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country.
During your first appointment with Dr. Berkey, he will typically:
- Consult with you regarding your concerns about your foot problem(s.)
- Diagnose and treat your foot problem.
- May propose to medically or surgically correct such problems as bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes and neuromas, etc. although he usually attempts a conservative approach first if at all possible.
- Performs diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, MRIs, lab tests, etc.
- Provides treatment for conditions such as: fungus toenails and skin diseases, ingrown toenails, bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, and plantar fasciitis.
- He may also prescribe custom made foot orthotics for those in need of these devices, or whoever desires this correction.
- Frequently, Dr. Berkey will also consult, plan and schedule surgery on patients' feet for cosmetic reasons alone, such as narrowing the width of one's foot in order to wear more stylish shoes.
- Dr. Berkey may also provide cosmetic injectable "cushioning" for one's feet in order to wear high heeled shoes.
- Dr. Berkey may also prescribe, measure, and order specialized footwear for his diabetic patients.
- If you do not see your need listed in our Web site, please call our nurse and ask, ask, ask!
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