Question 1

What is a podiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions in the feet and lower limbs. Also called podiatric physicians, podiatrists can help prevent and correct deformities in the lower limbs, treat infections, and relieve pain associated with common conditions like ingrown toenails, warts, corns, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and more. Sesame offers affordable visits with real, quality podiatrists in Bay City, MI for affordable, cash prices. Save 60% when you book a consultation today with a licensed podiatrist.

Question 2

What does a podiatrist do?

Accepted Answer

Podiatrists, or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), are medical doctors who specialize in treating and diagnosing conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. You might see a podiatrist for an ankle x-ray, diabetic foot care, or help with an ingrown toenail. Podiatrists who receive advanced training in surgery can perform foot and ankle surgery to treat injury or infection. Some podiatrists receive further training in sports medicine, allowing them to treat lower leg injuries sustained on the field.

Podiatrists can also help with aches and pain related to aging. For example, older patients might see a podiatrist to get custom orthotics (shoe inserts).

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort anywhere below the knee, a podiatrist can help. A board-certified podiatrist will be able to diagnose and treat conditions in the lower leg that you're experiencing. If necessary, they may even refer you to an orthopedic clinic for further treatment.

Sesame offers convenient new-patient podiatry consultations in Bay City, MI at affordable cash-pay prices. Book directly with the doctor you want to see and save up to 60% on your foot health appointment when you book through Sesame - no insurance needed.

Question 3

What conditions can a podiatrist treat?

Accepted Answer

Podiatric physicians can treat a number of conditions related to the foot and ankle. Some examples of these conditions include:
- Foot and ankle sprains
- Bunions (bony bumps on the base of the big toe)
- Hammertoe (abnormal bending of the central toe joint)
- Warts
- Ingrown toenails, enlarged toenails, and fungal infections of the toenail
- Calluses
- Athlete’s foot
- Heel spurs (calcium buildup on the bottom of the heel bone)
- Plantar fasciitis (pain in the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot)
- Morton’s neuroma (thickened tissue around nerves leading to the toes; causes pain in the ball of the foot)
- Diabetic foot conditions such as nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Arthritis
- Damage to ligaments in the foot (such as a Lisfranc injury)

If you're experiencing any of these conditions, connect with a doctor on Sesame to book a visit at affordable cash prices.

Question 4

Should I see a podiatrist or an orthopedist?

Accepted Answer

It's a great question. They're basically the same thing, right? Not quite. A podiatrist, or doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialized healthcare professional who focuses on the diagnosis of lower extremity, foot, and ankle conditions. According to the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, podiatrists undergo four years in podiatric medical school and several years of residency training before receiving certification from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. __A podiatrist can help with the following conditions: __
- Foot and ankle sprains
- Bunions (bony bumps on the base of the big toe)
- Hammertoe (abnormal bending of the central toe joint)
- Warts
- Ingrown toenails, enlarged toenails, and fungal infections of the toenail
- Calluses
- Athlete’s foot
- Heel spurs (calcium buildup on the bottom of the heel bone)
- Plantar fasciitis (pain in the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot)
- Morton’s neuroma (thickened tissue around nerves leading to the toes; causes pain in the ball of the foot)
- Diabetic foot conditions such as nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Arthritis
- Damage to ligaments in the foot (such as a Lisfranc injury)

Orthopedists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. According to the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS), an orthopedic surgeon must graduate from a four-year medical school and complete a five-year orthopedic residency program before becoming board certified by the ABOS. __Orthopedic surgeons can help with the following conditions:__
- Bone fractures
- Sports medicine (Surgery for injury, rehabilitation, prevention)
- Joint reconstruction
- Pediatric orthopedics (study and treatment of growing bones, joints and muscles)
- Achilles tendon repair
- Hand surgery
- Shoulder and elbow treatment
- Bunions and hammertoe
- Bone spurs
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy

Podiatrists specialize in the mechanics and dermatology of the lower extremities, while orthopedic surgeons can provide medical care for the entire musculoskeletal system. Whether your condition is better suited for a podiatrist or orthopedist, you can find the care you need on Sesame for affordable, upfront prices. Book an online consultation today with a doctor licensed to treat podiatric conditions in Bay City, MI to develop a treatment plan that's right for you. No hidden fees, no copays, just the care you need.

Question 5

How can a podiatrist help with foot problems?

Accepted Answer

From sports medicine to orthotics, podiatric physicians are trained to provide a wide range of care for foot and ankle conditions. Some types of care podiatrists can provide are:
- X-ray imaging to diagnose abnormalities or injury
- Physical therapy and pain relief for fractures, sprains, and sports injuries of the foot and ankle
- Surgery for broken bones in the foot or ankle
- Scalpel surgeries of ingrown toenails
- Wart and verruca removal
- Bunion and corn removal
- Physical therapy and surgery for arthritis pain
- Orthotics prescription (specialty arch support and insoles to relieve arch and heel pain)
- Topical treatment recommendations for warts, cracked skin, and fungal infections

Podiatrists on Sesame offer treatment and consultations. Get in touch directly with real, quality doctors on Sesame so you can ask the questions you want and get the care you need - all for upfront, affordable prices. No insurance needed.

Question 6

Can podiatrists treat flat feet?

Accepted Answer

Flat feet are naturally occurring deformities, characterized by a lack of arches in the feet. This means that the entire sole of the foot touches, or comes close to touching, the ground. Flat feet are common in children, and arches often develop as ligaments in a child’s lower body develop. Adults can develop flat feet from damage to structures in the foot, tight Achilles tendons, and stress. In many cases, flat feet are not painful and do not require treatment. In some cases, however, flat feet can cause pain in the heel or arch areas of the foot, and treatment may be recommended. __Some treatments a podiatrist might suggest are:__
- Orthotic devices such as arch supports. Arch supports cannot cure flat but can relieve discomfort caused by flat feet.
- Supportive footwear
- Physical therapy and stretching exercises

In rare instances, when orthotic treatment is inadequate, reconstructive surgery may be needed. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from flat feet, book a consultation with a podiatrist on Sesame to talk about treatment options.

Question 7

How can a podiatrist help with diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes can cause complications that affect foot health. Some of these complications are: #### Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Untreated diabetes can damage nerves in the legs and feet. When nerves in those parts of the body are damaged, they may be unable to feel heat, cold, or trauma. This leads to infections, muscle weakening, and diabetic ulcers. If left untreated, these foot problems can be severe and threaten the safety of the limb. Podiatrists can help with wound care and preventative medicine to maintain foot health. This may save the foot from amputation. #### Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet, which makes it more difficult for infections and cuts to heal and increases the risk of developing gangrene or ulcers. Gangrene is a type of tissue death caused by a lack of circulation. Podiatrists can prescribe antibiotic medication to help the infection, but if left untreated, gangrene can lead to amputation. Podiatrists can help create a foot care plan that keeps your feet healthy and free from infection. If you have a cut or blister that isn’t healing, or if you have chronic foot pain, talk to a doctor right away. Podiatrists on Sesame offer affordable new patient consultations to talk you through your foot health and treatment plans that might be right for you. Sesame uses a direct-to-patient model, which means you book directly with the doctor you want to see and pay an upfront price with no insurance needed. Foot care can help prevent serious infection or disease. Talk to a doctor today to get the care you need.

Question 8

Is it safe to see a podiatrist during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Accepted Answer

The American Podiatric Medical Association, the professional organization of podiatric doctors, has released guidelines for safe practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. These align with guidelines previously released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about safe practices in health facilities. To help maintain social distancing standards, some clinics have begun to offer telehealth services to clients that do not require in-person appointments. However, in some cases, visiting a podiatry office in person is needed.

APMA recommends that clinics practice social distancing guidelines in waiting rooms and shared spaces and requires that workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times in work spaces. They ask that clinics ensure that spaces and surfaces are disinfected after use and that all equipment is sterilized properly.

Many patients have turned to telehealth for their podiatric needs. Connect on Sesame with podiatrists licensed to treat patients in Bay City, MI for affordable, cash prices. Sesame works directly with podiatrists - and not insurance companies - to eliminate hidden fees and surprise copays. Save 60% on your next video podiatry visit.

Question 9

How can I book an appointment online with a board-certified podiatrist in Bay City, MI?

Accepted Answer

Great news! You can book an appointment right here on Sesame!

Sesame offers simple online booking with real, quality podiatrists at affordable prices. Simply search on our homepage for the type of health care you need, compare prices, and book directly on the site. You can usually book a visit as early as the next day, all at prices up to 60% less than what you'll find through insurance networks.

Sesame makes it easier than ever to get in touch with board-certified podiatrists Bay City, MI. Plus, our no-worries booking policy means you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and still get a refund - no questions asked. Browse availability and book an appointment online with Sesame - it's that simple!

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