Your feet play a vital role in maintaining your overall health. Whether you're walking or standing, your entire body's weight is balanced upon your feet. Because of this, foot problems can be painful and lead to limitations in one's lifestyle. Remember, it is not normal for your feet to hurt.

Yet, as common as foot problems are, the feet are generally the most neglected part of the body. Many people suffer from some type of foot ailment. Certain medical groups: diabetics, rheumatoid arthritics, and the elderly, for example, are at an even higher risk for the development of severe foot problems. Keeping all this in mind, you will soon realize how important it is that you give your feet the attention they deserve.

Foot problems are most easily treated before they become serious. Early detection and treatment can lead to a faster recovery time and prevent progression to a more serious condition. Therefore, it is important that you contact our office whenever you suspect a problem with your feet.

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), who specializes both medically and surgically in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle disorders.

The education of a podiatrist includes four years of college, followed by four years of podiatric medical school. During these years of training, the podiatric medical student is exposed to many different areas of general medicine including dermatology, pediatrics, orthopedics, internal medicine, and neurology, as well as specialized podiatric training in the many areas of lower extremity disease and treatment.

A few gifted podiatrists are given the opportunity to participate in postgraduate fellowships or surgical residency programs to further advance their training. These programs include advanced training in the surgical and medical management of the most complicated adult and pediatric foot and ankle disorders. All Hugar Foot & Ankle specialists fall into this category of podiatric education.