Podiatry
Podiatry Specialists
Over a lifetime, the average person walks more than 100,000 miles. With every step, your feet absorb up to 1.5 times your body weight in pressure — putting the 26 bones and more than 100 tendons, ligaments, and muscles in your feet at risk for injury. It’s important to have a podiatric practice you can trust, like Eastside Podiatry PLLC, in St. Clair Shores and Fraser, Michigan. Hatim Burhani, DPM, FACFAS, Siraj Panchbhaiya, DPM, FACFAS, and their team specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases, injuries, and other disorders associated with your feet and lower extremities. Call the office today, or make an appointment online.
Podiatry Q & A
What is a podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats problems with your feet, ankles, and related structures of the leg, from everyday pain to complex conditions
To become licensed, podiatrists complete medical school, residency training, and rigorous board exams, so you can feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands.
How often should visits to a podiatrist be scheduled?
See a podiatrist if you’re dealing with ongoing foot or ankle issues. Left untreated, these problems can throw off your walk and lead to knee, hip, or even back pain.
Problems with your feet disrupt your walk and can cause pain in your knees and hips, often without any pain in your feet. Therefore, you should see a podiatrist when you experience consistent, chronic pain. Other foot problems that podiatrists treat include:
- Deformity
- Lumps or bumps
- Wounds that don’t heal
- Discoloration
- Numbness, burning, tingling
If you have diabetes, foot care is an important part of your health management. Diabetes often causes poor circulation and nerve damage in your feet, making you more susceptible to injury and infection.
If you have diabetes, regular foot checkups are essential. Our team monitors for early warning signs to prevent serious complications, protecting your health and helping you stay active.
What’s the difference between an orthopedist and a podiatrist?
Both an orthopedist and a podiatrist treat foot and ankle problems. However, while the education of a podiatrist emphasizes these areas of the body specifically, orthopedists train to specialize in muscular and skeletal conditions throughout your entire body. Orthopedists don’t pay particular attention to any specific body part.
Both specialties require four years of medical school and residency. A podiatrist’s residency lasts up to three years and allows for intensive training. They then have the option to complete a fellowship that allows for additional training in advanced and complex foot and ankle care.
Podiatrists, like Dr. Burhani and Dr. Panchbhaiya at Eastside Podiatry PLLC, help you determine the best possible course of treatment for your foot and ankle needs, be it orthotics, special shoes, braces, or surgery.
To schedule a podiatry appointment, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Faq...
Podiatrists treat a wide range of conditions, including:
– Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
– Ingrown toenails and fungal infections
– Bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet
– Diabetic foot complications
– Sports injuries and fractures
– Warts, corns, and calluses
– Achilles tendon issues and ankle sprains
In most cases, no referral is needed to see a podiatrist. However, some insurance plans may require one. It’s best to check with your provider or contact our office directly
Your first visit typically includes:
– A full medical history review
– Physical examination of your feet and ankles
– Diagnostic imaging if needed (e.g., X-rays)
– A personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition
Many podiatry services are covered by insurance, especially if they are medically necessary. Coverage may vary depending on your plan and the type of treatment. Our team can help verify your benefits