When you need treatment for a podiatric condition or injury, you want a foot and ankle specialist with the knowledge, skills, and compassion to help you move safely and comfortably again. What’s the best way to choose a foot doctor? Read here about the qualifications and practices you should look out for.
Why Should I See a Foot And Ankle Specialist?
A podiatrist, or foot doctor, has years of intense training in the function, health, anatomy, and diseases of the foot and ankle. They understand the stresses and strains daily life place on the lower extremities. They also have in-depth knowledge of what can go wrong when injury, diabetes, overtraining, or the wear-and-tear of aging strike.
The podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas guide patients in the long-term care of their feet and ankles. Whether your needs are related to circulation, structural problems, arthritis, or an acute injury, our specialists can diagnose, treat, and provide continuous care to deliver the outcomes you need for a full, mobile, and pain-free life.
What You Should Look for in a Foot And Ankle Specialist
Here are the qualifications to look for in a foot and ankle specialist:
- Credentials Does the doctor belong to the American Board of Podiatric Medicine? If you require a surgical evaluation and procedure, is the doctor a member of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery?
- Experience How many years has the foot doctor been in practice? If you need a specific procedure, how many times has the doctor performed it?
- Expertise What services does the practice offer? Examples are laser nail treatments, custom orthotics, arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery, pain control, diabetic foot care, and sports medicine. Conditions include fungal infections, acquired and congenital deformities, heel pain, corns and calluses, and ingrown toenails.
- Diagnostics On-site digital X-ray and ultrasound imaging are convenient for precisely detecting fractures, infection, and other health issues on the spot, so treatment can begin immediately. Does your prospective ankle specialist offer these services?
- Treatment Options You want a foot and ankle specialist who works with you, trying the most conservative treatments first and offering surgical solutions only when there are no other options.
- Convenience A practice with many on-site providers gives you a wide range of professional expertise. Plus, look for office hours that fit into your busy schedule. Weekend, same-day, and evening appointments are all plusses.
- Welcoming Atmosphere Your ankle specialist should look at your total health history, listen carefully to your symptoms, concerns, and preferences, and treat you with respect. There is nothing worse than a doctor who rushes to get you in and out of their office without making you feel heard.
Foot and Ankle Specialist in San Antonio, Texas
For your immediate and long-term podiatry needs, do a little homework to choose the foot and ankle specialist best for you and your family. Remember, your feet and ankles carry you everywhere and are complex in musculature, connective tissues, vasculature, and more.
At The Podiatry Group of South Texas, we invite you to explore the possibilities superior foot and ankle care provides. We have 10 board-certified foot doctors and surgeons and 14 state-of-the-art locations to serve you at, comfortably and conveniently.
Call today at (210) 227-8700 for a consultation and to find out more about our services. You can also request an appointment using our online form.
