A podiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This includes diagnosing and treating injuries, chronic conditions, and structural problems that affect how people walk and move. Podiatrists care for issues such as heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, arthritis, and sports-related injuries. They also play an important role in managing diabetic foot problems, nerve conditions, and wounds that require close monitoring. Beyond treating pain, podiatrists focus on prevention and long-term foot health. They may recommend footwear changes, custom orthotics, stretching programs, or lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress on the feet and joints. Many podiatrists also perform in-office procedures and surgery, when needed, to restore function and comfort. If you have ongoing foot or ankle concerns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Healing from a broken ankle depends on fracture type, stability, and proper medical guidance. In certain cases, controlled walking introduced at the right time can encourage bone repair by improving blood flow and maintaining joint mobility. Gentle weight bearing may also reduce muscle weakness and stiffness during recovery. However, walking too soon without approval can disrupt alignment, increase pain, and slow healing. Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and imaging studies such as X-rays or advanced scans to determine severity. A podiatrist also considers swelling, bruising, and how the injury occurred. Treatment plans vary and may include immobilization, gradual weight bearing, targeted exercises, or surgery. Each case requires patience. If ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking continues during recovery, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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Stress fractures of the foot are tiny cracks in bone caused by repetitive force rather than a single injury. They often develop when activity levels increase too quickly or when the foot absorbs repeated impact without enough recovery time. Runners, walkers, and people who stand for long hours are commonly affected. Pain usually begins gradually and worsens with weight-bearing activity, then improves with rest. Swelling and tenderness over a specific area of the foot are common signs. Treatment focuses on allowing the bone to heal. This may include activity modification, wearing protective footwear, immobilization, or temporary use of a walking boot. Addressing contributing factors such as footwear, bone health, and foot structure is important to prevent recurrence. Ignoring symptoms can lead to more serious fractures. If foot pain persists or increases with activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neutral and stability running shoes are designed to support different foot types and running mechanics. Neutral running shoes provide even cushioning across the midsole and feature a flexible construction that allows the foot to move naturally, making them ideal for runners with a normal arch and minimal pronation. Stability running shoes, on the other hand, offer a firmer foam on the inner side of the midsole, structured sidewalls, and a broader base to improve balance and control overpronation. Choosing the correct shoe reduces injury risk and improves running efficiency. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, recommend the most suitable shoe type, and provide custom orthotics, if necessary. If you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct running shoes to wear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.