Podiatric Medicine in United States

Podiatric medicine, or podiatry, is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, as well as medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity that result from injury or disease. Podiatrists can treat people of all ages for a wide range of foot-related conditions, such as fractures, sprains, bunions, diabetes, arthritis, heel pain, and Morton's neuroma. 

Podiatrists can prescribe medicine, order lab tests and imaging procedures (such as x-rays), and perform a wide range of surgical procedures, such as arthritis surgery, nerve surgery, Achilles surgery, and bunion surgery. 

How Long Should I Stay in United States?

Length of stay in United States depends on the type of procedure you underwent. In general, it is advisable that you stay in for at least 2 weeks for initial recovery and to attend follow-up checkups, if necessary.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time varies. For surgical procedures, it may take around six to eight weeks until you are allowed to return to work and perform light activities. The recovery time for nonsurgical procedures is usually faster than this.

What Aftercare is Required?

Depending on your specific condition and the treatment you undergo, you may need to wear a cast or surgical boot to protect your foot. You may also need to attend physical therapy to strengthen the affected area and improve range of motion.

What's the Success Rate?

Podiatric medicine continues to advance and evolve. With new techniques, innovative technology, and a better understanding of the field, the success rate of podiatric medicine procedures is high. However, all procedures carry some risks, such as infection and bleeding.

Are there Alternatives?

You may be able to see an orthopedic surgeon as an alternative to seeing a podiatrist. In certain cases, procedures like acupuncture can be an alternative as well. However, make sure to discuss the alternatives with your physician first.