Podiatric Medicine & Surgery

MeritCare Podiatric Medicine and Surgery provides comprehensive diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitative services for foot and ankle injuries and conditions. Our podiatrists treat a number of conditions including heel pain, arthritis, sports injuries, trauma and diabetic and geriatric foot problems.

Diagnosing Foot or Ankle Conditions

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body. It has 28 bones connected by joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. The complexity of the foot may cause a number of foot ailments. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the cause of your foot or ankle pain. Common foot and ankle conditions, procedures and treatments include:
Select a Topic Conditions    - Achilles Tendon Problems    - Ankle Sprain    - Arthroscopy    - Bone Spur    - Broken Toe    - Bunions    - Clubfoot    - Flatfoot (pes planus)    - Foot problems related to diabetes    - Gout    - Hammer, Claw and Mallet Toes    - Leg Injuries    - Leg problems, noninjury    - Lump, bump thickening or growth on the toe, foot or ankle    - Normal changes that occur in the feet with age    - Numbness or tingling    - Osteochondritis dissecans of a joint    - Plantar fasciitis    - Toe, foot and ankle injuries    - Toe, foot and ankle problems, noninjury Procedures & Treatments    - Bone Scan    - Bunion Surgery    - Calf squeeze test for Achilles tendon rupture    - Capsaicin    - Cast and Splint Care Tips    - Checklist for daily foot exams    - Checklist for shoes and socks that fit well    - Exercises to reduce plantar fasciitis    - Exercises to relieve heel pain or a tight heel cord    - Exercising with osteoarthritis    - Finding the right footwear for your foot problem    - Orthotic shoe device    - Precautions to protect your feet when you have diabetes    - Rehabilitation exercises for ankle sprain    - Rest, ice, compression and elevation    - Should I have surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon?    - Should I have surgery for bunions?    - Should I have surgery for hammer, claw or mallet toes?    - Should I have surgery for plantar fasciitis?    - Sports training techniques to prevent foot injuries or problems    - Stretch and strengthen your feet and ankles for plantar fasciitis    - Surgery for an achilles tendon rupture    - Using ice and cold packs

Diagnostic Tests

A podiatrist will need to evaluate your foot or ankle using a variety of tests including:

• Physical examination
• X-ray
• Electrymyogram and nerve conduction velocity
• Sensory discrimination testing
• MRI
• Blood tests

Common Foot and Ankle Problems

Bunions, calluses, corns, and hammer, claw, and mallet toes are foot problems that develop over time. These problems can range from uncomfortable to painful. Read more about common foot problems.