A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), also known as a podiatric physician or surgeon. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.

For many of us, our feet are the furthest things from our minds, both physically and mentally. We expect they’ll be uncomfortable at times, and we put up with it when they hurt. But healthy feet are fundamental to the quality of our lives. They are wondrously engineered and often the indicators of our overall health, so we need to look after them. Most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50, so if you are experiencing any pain or difficulties, you need to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Anaim is a highly trained physician and surgeon focusing on the foot and ankle and should be an important part of your health-care team.

Fungus on the nails usually presents as a darkening yellow, sometimes blackish and opaque discoloration of the nail. It can also present as white splotches on the nail. As the fungus progresses, the nail can get thicker and brittle.

Podiatrists specialize only in the foot and ankle, while an orthopedic surgeon has a wider focus including knees, hips, shoulders, arms, hands etc… When it comes to foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist is the best place to find the care you need.

A good rule of thumb is to change your running footwear every 350-550 miles. Heavier runners should replace their shoes closer to the 350 mile mark while lighter runners can stretch shoe mileage closer to the 550 mile range. If you run 25 miles or so per week, you should replace you shoes every three to four months.

One of the best home treatments is to remember the term “RICE”.
(R)est:
If pain is persistent with activity, Resting it may prevent further injury – do not try to “work out the injury”
(I)ce:
Apply a towel-wrapped ice pack to the injury in 20-minute cycles. (20 min. on, 20 min. off) to help reduce swelling
(C)ompression:
Wrap an elastic bandage firmly around the injury to help restrict swelling. Injury should be re-wrapped every 3-4 hours.
(E)levation:
Elevating the foot and ankle using a pillow to be even with your heart. This helps drain fluid away from the injury.
It is important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible after the injury to make sure the injury is not more severe (for example a hairline fracture).

After about a year and a half, orthotics lose their shape, stiffness, hence, their function of properly supporting the foot. Heavier or more active individuals may find their orthotics wearing sooner. Your orthotics may be wearing out if you begin to notice your feet becoming more tired or your foot pain returns.

The most common cause of heel pain is what is known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot where it attaches to the heel.

Some pain can be avoided by wearing a shoe with good arch support and taking Advil as indicated by your doctor. If this is not enough, your podiatrist may prescribe a stronger anti-inflammatory or other treatment such as ESWI shock wave treatment.

If shoes are constantly hurting your feet, have discomfort, or can no longer perform the activities you love to do because of bunion pain, you should see a podiatrist to get an x-ray and discuss your treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that grows in dark, moist environments, such as that of your footwear.The athlete’s foot fungus is contagious and can be spread around locker rooms, pools, spas, and other public areas.

You can avoid getting Athlete’s foot by not walking barefoot in public areas, drying your toes and feet extremely well after swimming or bathing, applying anti-fungal powder to your feet, wearing “dry-wicking” athletic socks and changing your socks often.

If you already have Athlete’s foot, your podiatrist can prescribe anti-fungal medication which will work to eradicate the infection in conjunction with the above-mentioned tips.

The problem of dry and cracked heels is usually hereditary. This problem will never just go away, however you doctor can help treat and control the problem. If your heel is cracked and bleeding, it is important to see a podiatrist as any open wound can become infected. If you are dealing only with dryness and cracking, applying a good moisturizing cream at least twice a day, and sleeping with socks on at night (after applying the cream) will help soften your skin. After softening the dry skin, you can use a pumice stone to remove the flaked off skin.

If these solutions do not work, Dr. Anaim has several prescription cream options that can be prescribed for your condition.

Metatarsalgia, or pain under the ball of the foot, can be caused by many things including torn ligaments, injured nerves, inflamed joints, or a small fracture. See your podiatrist to find the cause of your pain and begin to get on the road to recovery.

There are many people with flat feet who never have a problem with their feet. If there is a family history of flat feet with family members needing surgery or having bunions, hammertoes or other foot conditions, then yes, your child should be treated. This does not mean surgery, rather, a good insert recommended by their podiatrist. The best thing to do is to have your child’s foot examined, then evaluate the options.

Warts are caused by a viral infection and are contagious if direct contact is made with them. Like the athlete’s foot fungus, the viruses that cause warts thrive in warm, moist environments and as such, may be transferable on moist towels, at spas, pools, locker rooms, etc. A good way to avoid catching warts on your feet is to wear footwear in these environments.

Ingrown nails can be avoided by trimming your nails and rounding the corners of your nails using a file. Toe nails should always be trimmed using a nail clipper – do NOT tear your toe nails or you increase the chances of developing an ingrown toenail.