Podiatrists have extensive knowledge and expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle disorders by medical and surgical means. They must graduate from a four-year college of podiatric medicine to earn their doctorate degree. The training is geared toward the foot and ankle with emphasis placed on diseases and disorders of the lower extremity.

There are only seven colleges of podiatric medicine in the entire United States, so it is a highly-specialized field. At the four-year college of podiatric medicine, an entire year is spent on Lower Extremity Anatomy, which is not offered in any other medical schools. The last two years of podiatry school incorporate clinical training with hands-on experience in all aspects of foot and ankle care, ranging from toenail care to surgical intervention.

After six years of focused training, the Podiatrist is an expert on all aspects of foot and ankle disorders, and treats patients of all ages.

Common disorders include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Heel pain
• Neuromas
• Ingrown toenails
• Fungal nails
• Corns
• Calluses

The Podiatrist also treats patients for:

• Sprains
• Fractures
• Infections
• Other injuries of the foot and ankle

In addition, many disorders are treated best by preventive medicine, but if the condition progresses past a certain point then surgical intervention is within the doctor’s expertise.

Ivan and Barry Herstik pride themselves on being patient and caring physicians. They have devoted a major portion of their lives to their training as Podiatrists. It has allowed them to become an integral part of the community, interacting with a multitude of people from all walks of life.

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