The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) showcased the results of the Today’s Podiatrist survey. This survey measured the general public’s attitude toward foot and ankle health. The survey consisted of one thousand Anerican adults, 77 percent who have experienced some kind of foot pain. Despite the high percentage, only one third of those who experienced pain actually sought the care of a podiatrist. Foot pain can negatively affect the quality of our lives.

 "It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing," said APMA President Frank Spinosa, DPM. "Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds."

A podiatrist is a physician who provides foot and ankle care.  If you need foot or ankle care, see podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher will treat your podiatric needs.

What is a Podiatrist?

The branch of medicine that is focused on the treatment, diagnosis, and study of disorders of the lower leg, ankle and foot is referred to as podiatry. Someone would seek care in the field of podiatry when they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as: heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• physical therapy
• drugs
• perform surgery on lower extremity fractures
• orthotic inserts or soles

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about What Is a Podiatrist