Navigating the United States healthcare system can be a challenging prospect, especially when tasked with choosing a physician to address a specific condition or ailment. Further adding to the confusion is deciding between medical providers who appear similar, such as a podiatrist (DPM) or medical doctor (MD). Serving residents of Norwich, North Windham, and the surrounding areas for over 25 years, the team at Eastern CT Foot Specialists will start you off on the right foot.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a physician who is specifically focused on issues affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. To practice podiatric medicine, prospective podiatrists must first complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school, three years in a hospital residency, and countless clinical rotations.

What’s the Difference?

Beyond the bunions, fungi, and hammer toes, podiatrists are highly trained specialists, providing relief from a wide variety of issues, injuries, and complaints affecting the lower extremities. Medical doctors, on the other hand, typically receive education and training across a broad range of areas.

In many cases, general practitioners undergo only  weeks of foot and ankle study whereas a podiatrist must dedicate years to properly comprehend the intricacies of this specialty area.

What Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Patients turn to podiatrists to combat an array of conditions! Some of the most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammer Toe Treatment
• Diabetic Foot Care
• Heel & Foot Pain
• Ingrown Nails

Whether you have suffered a minor sports injury or require diabetic foot care, the team at Eastern CT Foot Specialists will provide you with the personalized care and treatments you deserve. Check out the website, or call (860) 887-3538 (Norwich) or (860) 456-9593 (North Windham) to learn more about the available treatment options!