Podiatrist Offering Specialized Foot Care Near Clarksville, IN

Persistent foot pain is a common issue, but it should never be ignored. Whether you recently injured your foot in a fall, or your discomfort developed for no apparent reason, the podiatrist at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic can provide the expert care you need. Dr. Dawn M. Michels is a board-certified podiatrist with more than two decades of private practice experience in the Clarksville, Indiana, area. As a key member of our outstanding team of orthopedic subspecialists, Dr. Michels focuses on providing conservative foot and ankle care.

Why Is It Important to See a Podiatrist About Foot Pain?

Chronic foot pain can be a sign of an underlying health issue that may worsen if left untreated. While many types of medical providers can provide basic foot examinations and treatments, a podiatrist has the qualifications necessary to provide highly specialized foot care. As a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a podiatrist has completed extensive training, including four years of undergraduate study, four years of podiatric medical school, and a minimum of three years of residency training. As an experienced podiatrist, Dr. Michels can identify and address the root cause of your foot pain, prevent potential complications, and enhance your quality of life.

When Should I See a Podiatrist About Foot Pain?

Oftentimes, mild foot pain will respond well to rest and home care, such as elevating the painful foot, applying ice packs, performing gentle foot muscle stretches, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Until the pain improves, it is especially important to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and avoid high-impact activities, such as running and tennis.

In general, you should see a podiatrist if:

• Your foot pain is severe or getting worse instead of better
• Your foot pain does not improve after 7 to 10 days of home care
• Your foot or ankle is visibly swollen
• You cannot support weight on your painful foot
• Your foot pain is interfering with your daily activities

What Foot Conditions Does a Podiatrist Diagnose and Treat?

At Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr. Michels diagnoses and treats many common foot and ankle conditions, offering the latest in-office treatments for:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Bunions
• Calluses
• Diabetic foot complications
• Flatfoot
• Foot and ankle sprains
• Foot and ankle fractures
• Ganglion cysts
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Neuromas
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sesamoiditis
• Sever’s disease
• Warts

After pinpointing the source of your foot pain, Dr. Michels can suggest a tailored treatment plan, which may include bracing, custom orthotics, medications, injections, and/or physical therapy.

Entrust Your Foot Care to Dr. Michels

Widely known throughout the Louisville area for her compassionate, patient-first approach, Dr. Michels fosters trusted, long-term relationships with her patients, many of whom are referred by other patients. Whether you need urgent care for a sprained ankle or routine toenail trimming and callus removal, it is important to take proper care of your feet. As your podiatrist, Dr. Michels can address all your foot health needs.

Start your journey toward healthier, pain-free feet by contacting Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic today. You are welcome to request an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Michels, at our sports medicine center near Clarksville, IN.