the-foot-doctor-20260223154131

What Can a Foot Doctor Help Me With? How Are They Trained?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:13:27 GMT

What Can a Foot Doctor Help Me With? How Are They Trained?

A foot doctor, commonly known as a Podiatrist is a medical specialist who, from day 1, started training with an emphasis on the foot and ankle. The first two years of Podiatry school mirrors the training of Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs). In fact, many podiatry students are in the same classroom with their MD or DO colleagues for the first two years. During these years, we study classes such as Anatomy (with an emphasis on Lower extremity), Physiology, Radiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Embryology, as well as many others. In addition, Podiatry students start early training in the fields of Biomechanics and Foot and Ankle Surgery. During the 3rd and 4th years of school, Future Podiatrists go on rotation at the hospital, do rounds in General Medicine, General, Plastics, Vascular and Orthopedic surgery, as well as rotations in Podiatric Surgery and clinics. After four years of podiatry school, we take the hippocratic oath and join the field of medicine.

Prior to 2012, Some podiatrists completed 1 or 2 year residencies with forefoot focused training. After 2012 (this includes myself, Dr. Jones) new podiatrists, or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) train in a 3 year surgical residency. It is during this time that podiatrists put into practice the principles learned in school. Podiatrists cover rotations in Podiatry (of course) as well as Emergency Medicine, Orthopedic surgery, Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Behavioral Health, Neurology, Infectious diseases, as well as others. I also did training in Sports Medicine as one of my other 'elective' type rotations. Additionally, my training included a Reconstructive Rearfoot/ Ankle Surgery certificate, which I received for training covering the midfoot, rearfoot, and ankle. Some DPMs go on to do a fellowship in specialized areas within Podiatry.

I finished my residency in 2015 and can treat many of the conditions in the lower extremity, specifically below the knee. Starting at the toes and working up the leg, we treat ingrown toenails, toenail fungus and other nail problems, wounds of the toes and feet, hammertoes, bunions, toe and foot fractures, neuromas, ball of foot pain, foot sprains, arthritis, gout, foot infections and heel pain. Additionally, because of my training I am able to treat conditions of the rearfoot, including fractures of the rearfoot and ankle, arthritis of rearfoot and ankle. I also did a large amount (and continue to treat) complex diabetic foot wounds and venous stasis ulcerations and disease.

So, when you have pain below the knee, rest assured that we can help. Our training is foot and ankle, our focus is on You!

- Daniel Jones DPM, Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery®

Can I Fix My Ingrown Toe Nail Myself?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:12:37 GMT

Can I Fix My Ingrown Toe Nail Myself?

Picture this: standing at the bathroom counter, sharp implement that you just dipped in rubbing alcohol in hand, digging at that pesky ingrown nail. I call this bathroom surgery. While sometimes effective, it rarely results in long-term relief. You might tell yourself "If only I can dig out that last little piece.... I will fix it!" Yet here you are, a month later, in the same boat. "Epsom salt soaks helped!" They did. It helped soften the nail border and got some of the infection to clear, but it's still sore, red, and you might even have some extra 'stuff' growing from the side of the nail.

It's ok, I've been there. I once had the misfortune (chipping on a concrete block in flip flops) of smushing my big toenail. Weeks later, I developed an ingrown nail. I tried soaks, It didn't work. It started getting red, and I talked to one of my professors. (I was actually in Podiatry school at the time. Yea, flip flops working in concrete, I should have known better). Anyway, I scheduled an appointment for the next day. I already knew what to expect, but I was a little nervous nonetheless.

I shouldn't have been nervous at all. The procedure went great. Here is a breakdown:

I was brought into an exam room. I sat down and the podiatry student took my vitals, got my history and did an exam of my foot and went to talk to the attending (the doctor in charge).

Following this, I was leaned back in the chair and a numbing medication was injected into my toe. There was a little pinch, but nothing too painful. As an aside, in school, the first procedure we ever learned is called a hallux block. We learn about it extensively before hand, because, in the end, we had to practice on each other. The student numbing my toe did a good job, and the procedure was pain free. A small instrument was used to loosen up the affected portion of the toenail, and it was removed. My block lasted the rest of the day and even a little bit the next day. I never had the problem again.

An ingrown here in the office is a similar type procedure with a few exceptions. One: I will be performing your block. By my estimation, I have done it a thousand times. For you, this means comfort.

After your toe is numb, I prep your toe with antiseptic, usually Betadine. Following this, we loosen up the offending portion of the nail, and then cut and remove it. Any soft tissues that are overgrowing are removed as well. After double checking everything, we have 2 options at that point. For Chronic recurrent ingrowns, we apply a special acid to the area (once again you are numb, so you don't feel it) to kill that portion of the toenail. If it is a more acute problem, we may leave it alone and allow the nail to grow back, as in my personal case related above.

I can't tell you how many times people have told me "I wish I didn't wait as long as I did, that wasn't bad at all." For me, there are few things as satisfying as seeing someone leave the clinic with a smile on their face, happy to put their ingrown nails away for good.

If you have an ingrown toenail, or any foot or ankle problem, call us to set up an appointment today!

- Daniel Jones DPM, Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

How To Keep your Feet Safe This Summer.

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:10:52 GMT

How To Keep your Feet Safe This Summer.

Summer brings long days, warm weather and sandals! Unfortunately, it can also bring foot injuries. Summer foot problems are even referenced by the great Jimmy Buffet, who, according to legend, cut his heel on a pop top (the tabs from old timey canned drinks). While his medicine was booze in the blender, I would recommend a more effective strategy.

Superficial cuts and scrapes on the feet are usually not a problem unless accompanied by dirty conditions including lake water or especially farm type injuries. Many people employ hydrogen peroxide for cleaning out lacerations of the foot, although this may lead to tissue damage and delayed healing. Typically saline is used to flush out and irrigate a wound properly. Deeper wounds always call for more thorough investigation, especially if there is a possibility of a foreign body. If you have diabetes, your risk is even greater. Going without shoes and having diabetic neuropathy is a recipe for disaster. Each Summer I have several patients to learn this the hard way. Typically I will see patients with burns on their feet from walking outside on hard concrete and not realizing there is damage happening to the feet. I have seen this from sand at the beach as well.

What do you do if you run into foot trouble? Call US! We are your local foot and ankle specialists! Call us ASAP. In an emergency, we can usually work you into the schedule and deal with your injury. I want you to have an awesome summer.

Daniel Jones, DPM