Podiatry
Foot Care Services
It’s easy to take healthy feet for granted. Because we rely on them for almost everything we do, foot injuries and conditions are among the most common health problems we experience. Community Memorial’s team of podiatrists is dedicated to keeping you moving by providing the care and services you need to achieve and maintain healthy feet.
What is a Podiatrist?
Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) who specialize in caring for the complex structures of our feet, ankles, and lower legs. DPMs complete four years of training in podiatric medical school and an additional three-year hospital residency program. Many podiatrists continue on to fellowship training after their residency is complete.
Podiatrists can focus on specific fields, including sports medicine, pediatrics, wound care, diabetes care, and surgery. Our podiatrists are available at our Community Memorial Health Centers throughout west Ventura County.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to see a podiatrist:
- Numbness, pain, or swelling in one foot
- Persistent heel pain
- Bruising and/or tenderness on or around your foot and ankle
- A new or existing diabetes diagnosis
- Ongoing or worsening joint pain in your ankles or feet
- Painful bunions, corns, or calluses
- An ingrown toenail or recurring ingrown toenails
- Nail fungus
- Non-healing wounds of the lower leg, ankle, or foot
Conditions & Treatments
Podiatrists treat a variety of injuries and conditions experienced by patients of all ages and in varying degrees of health.
- Fractures & Sprains: Broken bones and sprained tendons/ligaments in the ankles and feet are routine injuries treated by podiatrists. Podiatrists who specialize in sports medicine may work with athletes and coaches to prevent foot and ankle injuries from occurring during practice or competition.
- Heel Pain: Heel pain can be caused by plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, bursitis, or Haglund’s deformity. Our podiatrists will work with you to diagnose the type of heel pain you are experiencing and help you identify the root cause. Depending on the source of the pain, treatment may include decreased physical activity, footwear modifications such as orthotics, casting or splinting, and corticosteroid injections.
- Arthritis: Each of our feet has 33 joints and arthritis can affect one or multiple of these joints. A podiatrist may recommend physical therapy, prescription medication, orthotics, or surgery as treatment for arthritis of the feet.
- Diabetes: Many diabetes patients experience damage to the nerves in their legs or feet which can contribute to a lack of blood flow to these areas. Podiatrists manage these complications and help prevent unnecessary amputations of the lower legs and feet.
- Bunions, Hammertoes, & Nail Disorders: Bunions occur when the joint at the base of your big toe becomes enlarged or gets knocked out of place. A hammertoe is a toe that doesn’t bend the right direction. Nail disorders include infections and ingrown toenails. Each of these unique conditions should be evaluated by a podiatrist, especially if you are experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort.
- Neuropathy: Neuropathy of the lower legs and feet is usually associated with diabetes, but can also be caused by medications, traumatic injuries, autoimmune disorders, tumors, infections and other diseases. Neuropathy can cause burning, tingling, and other pain sensations, as well as impaired function of the affected areas. Treatment for neuropathy of the feet and lower legs may include lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), prescription medications, physical therapy, electrical stimulation, or surgery.
