Exploring the World of Podiatrists (Foot Doctors)

Foot doctors, or podiatrists, specialize in foot and ankle treatments. These specialists undergo extensive education and clinical training to become qualified to provide foot and ankle care. Podiatrists hold a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, and many complete additional residency training to gain further expertise in foot and ankle surgery.

Podiatrists understand the complex structure of the feet and ankles, which allows them to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of issues.

What Are Some Conditions They Treat?

Foot and ankle surgeons treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Ingrown toenails
  • Corns and calluses
  • Fungal infections
  • Warts
  • Neuromas
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Bunions and hammertoes
  • Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
  • Ankle sprains
  • Fractures
  • Heel spurs
  • Diabetic foot ulcers
  • Pediatric foot disorders
  • Arthritis

Podiatrists employ a wide range of methods to manage and treat foot and ankle conditions and relieve patients’ symptoms. A few of those treatments are:

  1. Orthotics – Custom-made shoe inserts that provide support, correct imbalances, and alleviate pain. The latest technology uses state-of-the-art 3D imaging to scan the patient’s feet.
  2. Shockwave Therapy – A non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy shock waves to promote blood flow, stimulate tissue repair, and reduce inflammation.
  3. Laser Therapy – Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses light energy to penetrate tissues, enhancing cellular metabolism, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue regeneration.
  4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – PRP therapy uses a patient’s blood plasma, which contains a concentration of platelets, to stimulate healing and regeneration.
  5. Amniotic Tissue Therapy – The use of processed amniotic tissue that contains growth factors, proteins, and stem cells, for their regenerative properties.
  6. Physical Therapy – Podiatrists work closely with licensed physical therapists to create individualized programs containing exercises and therapeutic modalities.
  7. Advanced Wound Care – Employed by foot doctors to treat non-healing diabetic wounds to prevent infection. They may use biologics such as PRP therapy or amniotic therapy to promote the healing of chronic and complex foot ulcers.
  8. Surgical Intervention – When early treatments are insufficient, podiatrists also trained in foot and ankle surgery can correct deformities or structural abnormalities, repair torn ligaments or tendons, remove inflamed tissue, relieve nerve compression, or release tight bands of tissue.

Top Foot and Ankle Doctors in Baltimore, MD

At Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, we are proud to have exceptional podiatrists on board, such as Dr. Marc Lipton and Dr. Hayden Hoffler. Dr. Lipton is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in cutting-edge heel pain treatments, advanced wound care, sports injuries, non-operative ankle care, and foot surgery. Dr. Lipton has a reputation for excellence and has been appointed Section Chief of Podiatry within the Department of Surgery at Saint Agnes Hospital. He takes a compassionate approach to treating patients and truly cares about their recovery.

Dr. Hayden Hoffler is a board-qualified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon specializing in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders. His many specialties include foot and ankle surgery and diabetic limb salvage and reconstruction. Dr. Hoffler takes a multidisciplinary approach to treat a wide range of problems, including forefoot/rearfoot deformity correction, minimally invasive surgery, tendon/ligament repair, and lower extremity trauma. Dr. Hoffler is actively involved in research, authoring several peer-reviewed journal articles and co-authoring multiple textbook chapters.

Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland is a modern, well-equipped practice offering on-site diagnostics and physical therapy services in several of our locations. To schedule a consultation with our excellent providers, use our online form or call us today at (410) 644-1880.