The podiatric specialists at Lankenau Hospital offer a complete range of services for treating ailments of the foot and ankle. From properly diagnosing the cause of foot pain to providing ongoing foot care to diabetics, our physicians have the experience and the technical resources to help patients return to pain-free mobility and better podiatric health.

Problems Can Begin at Any Age

When we're young, a sports injury like an ankle sprain or congenitally flat feet may lead to our only encounter with a podiatrist. But as we age, wear and tear can cause problems like heel pain, bunions and arthritis. Diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) can also result in age-related foot problems. Most commonly, podiatrists treat patients with:

• Warts
• Bunions
• Fungus toenail and athletes' foot
• Plantar faciitis (heel pain)
• Sprains and strains
• Heel spur syndrome
• Arch pain
• Hammer toes
• Achilles tendinitis
• Age-related arthritis
• Sports injuries
• Fractures of foot and ankle
• Congenital foot deformities
• Diabetes
• Peripheral vascular disease

We Offer State-of-the-Art Treatment Regimes

Podiatry services at Lankenau Hospital begin with an examination and diagnosis. An x-ray, MRI or other diagnostic test may be required. Once the cause of your pain is identified, your podiatrist will recommend the proper medical or surgical treatment. For some patients -- diabetics for example -- treatment may be ongoing. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Professional diabetic foot care so that serious problems can be averted
• Wound care for diabetics
• Orthotics, computer-designed and customized shoe inserts to correct foot alignment
• Laser Therapy for warts and fungus nails
• Surgery, when necessary, to repair fractures, hammer toes, bunions, flat feet or severe pressure ulcers
• Extra Corporal Shock Therapy (ECST), non-invasive treatment for heel-related problems like chronic heel pain

If you experience foot pain or discomfort, talk to an expert at Lankenau Hospital. An accurate diganosis and treatment can return you to pain-free activity and give you a better understanding of how to take care of your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions
Will my health insurance cover podiatry services?
Probably. Check your benefits handbook or call your health insurance company to see if you need a referral, or to request a reimbursement form.

Should I notify my primary care physician?
In some cases, patients are referred for podiatry services by their primary care physicains. If you have a chronic illness like diabetes, it is important to keep your doctor aware of all your health issues. We will keep your priamry care physician apprised of your care and treatment.

To schedule an appointment at the office nearest you, call 1-866-CALL-MLH.

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