A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is a physician that specializes in the treatment of  the foot, ankle and  lower leg.  Podiatric medical school is a four-year degree and typically most students have received a bachelors degree and some even a masters degree. After medical school, residency training takes three years and those who want extra training will do a fellowship for 1 to 2 years.  Most doctors of podiatric medicine will be certified in the areas of specialty such as foot surgery , advanced foot and ankle suregey,podiatric orthopedics and medicine and even wound care.

Many podiatrist are surgically trained and are able to perform surgery of the lower leg, ankle and foot. Many common procedures include  surgical correction of bunions, hammertoes, tendon injuries, removal of soft tissue masses, treatment of fractures, toenail procedures and treatment of soft tissue muscle and tendon injuries. Podiatric surgeons who have advanced training  perform procedures that treat patients with complicated fractures, deformity's birth defects and limb salvage surgery for patients with complications from diabetes.  Podiatric surgeons are not orthopedic surgeons but many of the lower extremity surgical procedures are performed by both professions.

In addition to surgical procedures, Podiatrists treat many common in office condition such as fungal toenails, ingrown toenail's, plantar warts, corns and calluses, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis,  sprains and strains  and diabetic foot ulcers bone and joint deformities  to mention a few conditions.

 A large part of a podiatrist training is in biomechanics of the  lower extremity and this is what separates podiatrists from our other colleagues that work with lower extremity conditions. Biomechanics is the study of how the Body works  and with a solid understanding many overuse injuries that we see can be corrected by understanding  this science.  Exercises, physical therapy, rehabilitation, custom orthotic devices and shoe gear are ways to treat overuse injuries that many athletes will endure in their career.

Podiatrists are able to write prescriptions for medications,  order diagnostic testing such as x-rays, CAT scans and MRIs. All in all,  doctors of podiatric medicine  are a team member of the medical community to help any individual with lower extremity  conditions.

 Personally, I have been A podiatrist for over two decades and truly enjoy my job. I enjoy working with all types of people ranging from little babies to seniors and my areas of specialty are sports medicine,  trauma  and reconstructive foot and ankle and leg surgery, pediatrics and diabetic limb salvage. I have been fortunate to have worked with many athletes and Runners throughout my career and have been able to take my knowledge as a Podiatric physician and surgeon and continue to be involved with the sport I love: Track and field and running. Both of these passions of mine have allowed me to meet great people throughout the world and allow me to see the world. I have been fortunate in this regard.

In addition, I have been blessed to co-own with my wife, Kristen, Achilles Running Shop. I am proud to say that I have had the privilege  to work with a tremendous and knowledgeable staff that will provide our customers and Runners the best experience. As the only Physician Owned Running Speciality store in the region and perhaps the country, I am confident that the Achilles Experience and Fit Process will be second to none.