A podiatrist, also known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a physician who is specially trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle injuries, disorders, and deformities. Whether you’re dealing with a painful or unsightly podiatric problem, want to add an experienced foot care specialist to your health management team, or need professional guidance on how to keep your feet looking and feeling their best, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you should know about podiatrists, the conditions treated and services available at Shenandoah Podiatry, and how our exceptional DPMs can help set your feet on a path to good health.
Roanoke Podiatrist Education and Training
Podiatrists receive more education and training on the feet and ankles than doctors in any other specialty—including orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons. While an orthopedist’s training may cover the lower extremities in a matter of weeks, DPMs spend years learning how the feet and ankles function and how to successfully prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions that can affect them. After earning a four-year undergraduate degree, people studying to become podiatrists must complete an additional four years of graduate education at an accredited college of podiatric medicine, followed by a two-year, hospital-based, post-graduate residency that includes rotations in other specialties. DPMs also complete continuing education and training activities. Podiatrists can order laboratory tests and medical imaging, prescribe medications, reset broken bones, perform surgery, and much, much more.
Our Roanoke, Virginia, Foot and Ankle Specialists
- Dr. Jennifer Keller earned her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in June 1998 and completed her podiatric surgical residency training at Liberty Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
- Dr. Natalie Allen graduated with honors from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia before completing a three-year residency in foot and ankle surgery in Lake Worth, Florida.
Conditions Podiatrists Treat in Roanoke
DPMs are trained to prevent, diagnose, treat, manage, or correct problems affecting the feet and ankles, including foot and heel pain, sports injuries, pediatric foot concerns, and skin and nail issues. Some of the most common conditions we address in our podiatry practice include the following:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel pain
- Achilles tendinitis
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal nail infections
- Corns and calluses
- Bunions
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Stress fractures
- Broken bones
- Strains and sprains
- Plantar warts
- Flat feet
- In-toeing and out-toeing
At Shenandoah Podiatry, we offer wide-ranging treatment options, including advanced therapies that utilize the latest technologies. Depending on your condition, our treatment recommendations may include:
- R.I.C.E.
- Footwear or lifestyle changes
- Therapeutic taping
- Inserts or insoles
- Custom orthotics
- Laser therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Surgery (as a last resort)
When to See a DPM in Roanoke
A podiatrist can make a great addition to any health management team. However, regular visits with a DPM are particularly important if you suffer from diabetes, peripheral artery disease, arthritis, heart disease, or other conditions that can cause complications in the lower extremities. Other reasons to consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist include:
- Regular foot or ankle pain that disrupts daily tasks or prevents you from participating in your favorite activities
- An acute or traumatic injury, such as a broken bone
- An overuse injury that hasn’t improved with rest and home care
- Recurring skin or nail issues
- Concerns about your child’s gait or foot development
- Starting a new exercise program or improving athletic performance
Schedule an Appointment
Your feet and ankles shouldn’t hurt—and when they do, Shenandoah Podiatry’s highly-skilled DPMs are here to help. Ready to find out what we can do for you and your feet? Complete our online contact form or call us at 540-904-1458 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Same-day appointments are available for urgent issues. Have questions about foot and ankle care? Browse our FAQs.
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