Podiatrist Near St. Matthews, KY

Mild foot pain is common and often manageable with self-care. However, persistent foot pain should never be ignored. In addition to being disruptive and uncomfortable, it can sometimes signal an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Whether your discomfort stems from a recent injury or an unknown cause, the podiatrist at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic can get to the bottom of it—and help you get back on your feet again, both swiftly and safely.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a specialized healthcare professional who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that can affect the foot, a complex structure composed of 33 joints, 26 bones, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. To become experts in their field, podiatrists are required to complete extensive training, including four years of podiatric medical school and a minimum of three years of residency. They are skilled in addressing a wide variety of foot issues ranging from simple to complex.

As a board-certified podiatrist with more than two decades of focused experience, Dr. Dawn M. Michels is an integral member of the cohesive team of orthopedic subspecialists at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic. With an emphasis on conservative treatment for foot pain, she provides comprehensive podiatric services near St. Matthews, Kentucky. Known for her vast clinical expertise, Dr. Michels has a compassionate manner and a patient-centric approach.

Conditions Treated by Our Podiatrist

In general, you might consider consulting with Dr. Michels if:

• Your foot pain is severe or seems to be getting worse instead of better
• Your painful foot is badly bruised or swollen
• Your foot pain is interfering with your mobility, daily activities, or quality of life
• You cannot bear weight on your painful foot
• Your foot pain does not respond to rest and home care
• You have a visible deformity in your foot

Dr. Michels treats many common foot conditions and injuries, including Achilles tendinitis, bunions, diabetic foot complications, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, neuromas, and plantar fasciitis. After evaluating your painful foot and confirming your diagnosis, she can suggest a personalized treatment plan, which may include bracing, custom orthotics, medications, injections, and/or physical therapy.

In addition to specialized treatments for foot pain, Dr. Michels also provides routine foot care, such as toenail trimming and callus removal. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can also help prevent potential foot problems and ensure optimal foot health. While this is important for everyone, it is especially so for individuals who are known to be at risk for developing foot complications due to diabetes or arthritis.

Trust Your Feet to Dr. Michels

Whether you need urgent care or routine maintenance, proper foot care from an experienced podiatrist is essential. Contact Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic today to schedule an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Michels, at our orthopedic and sports medicine center near St. Matthews, KY, and take your first step toward healthier, pain-free feet!