On the first visit, the Podiatrist will ask the patient to fill out a form that lists their medical history. This information is designed to help reveal any chronic or systemic conditions that may manifest itself by affecting symptoms and/or conditions of the lower limb(s). (i.e. diabetes, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, etc.) Many diseases manifest themselves first in the foot. The history will also ask for any lower limb injuries or past diagnosis of structural abnormalities. In addition to medical history, it’s also important for the Podiatrist to know what type of lifestyle the patient currently lives. Are they highly mobile? Sedentary? A distance-runner? Do they climb steps or use a walker? What symptoms prompted the patient to come for an evaluation? Is there pain or numbness? Rash or wounds? Or does the patient seem to stumble more than normal?

Following the discussion of their medical history, the patient is then assessed for biomechanics. This means that the doctor will do a complete bilateral (both sides of the body) lower limb examination to evaluate the symmetry (sameness) of the patient’s skeletal structure. The Podiatrist also evaluates the patient’s neurological function and vascular states and function. If necessary, the Podiatrist may order imaging, vascular or lab studies for a more comprehensive look.

People of all ages visit Podiatrists’ offices. Children, as well as adults, may need to be evaluated for gait training or orthotics. Orthotics are mechanical devices such as braces or molded appliances (soft or rigid) that are designed to bring the gait (natural walking motion) back into normal range. Additionally, patients of all age ranges have the possibility of injuries caused by trauma. Not only will the patient be evaluated and treated to recover from their injury, but the Podiatrist can recommend footwear designs that may help prevent a recurrence of the same injury.

A Podiatrist is a healthcare professional. His or her title of DPM means that he or she is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists specialize in the total care of foot and ankle health and rehabilitation, including prevention, diagnosis and management of disorders that affect the lower limbs, specifically the foot and ankle. The Podiatric services of UH-Geneva Medical center are rendered by a board-certified doctor and surgeon who is a Fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association.