Podiatric Doctor

As the region's most preferred orthopedic practice, our specialty-trained podiatrists at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute have the experience, knowledge, and expertise to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions and injuries.

Podiatry is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. The foot and ankle work together to not only support the body's weight but also to allow us to perform a variety of movements and activities. They are both complicated structures that contain numerous bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments, all of which can be at risk for damage and injury. Experienced podiatrists understand the complexities associated with the foot and ankle and can effectively evaluate many foot and ankle problems. They educate patients on the different treatment options so the patient is better prepared to make decisions regarding their health and well-being.

When It's Time to Visit a Podiatrist

Expressing whatever symptoms you are experiencing to your doctor can help them to provide you with the best foot and ankle care. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should contact a podiatrist near you:

Change of color in toenails or skin
Heel pain
Inability to stand or walk without pain
Limited range of motion
Pain in the ball or arch of the foot
Pain is caused by the bending of the toes
Painful bumps on the toes
Skin is red and warm to the touch
Swelling and stiffness
Tingling and numbness

These symptoms could be an indication that you have a more serious medical disorder, such as:

Ankle instability
Ankle sprains
Athlete's foot
Bunions
Calluses
Corns
Deformities
Diabetic foot
Flat feet
Hammertoes
Heel spurs
Infections
Ingrown toenails
Metatarsalgia
Neuromas
Plantar fasciitis
Poor circulation
Toenail fungus
Warts
Wounds

Many foot problems can be treated by our podiatrists through conservative treatment methods, like orthotics or diabetic shoes. However, there are some cases where surgery is the best option for providing patients full relief and restoring normal function. If surgery is deemed necessary, our foot and ankle surgeons have performed hundreds of complex surgeries and returned patients to their lives, functioning at their highest capacity.

Visit our Foot & Ankle Center to learn more.

Our doctors understand that pain in your foot and ankle can make daily activities difficult. To schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists, please call (219) 921-1444 or request an appointment online.

Conveniently located in Chesterton, Crown Point, Michigan City, Portage, Schererville, Valparaiso, Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute offers care at state-of-the-art facilities throughout northwest Indiana so you can get the exceptional, specialized treatment you need where you need it.

We also offer our walk-in Orthopedic Urgent Care at our Crown Point and Portage locations to treat injuries that require immediate attention with no appointment needed.

Keeping You in Motion at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute

The most important decision you will make regarding your care is finding an experienced doctor who can expertly diagnose and treat your foot and ankle pain.

At Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, our specialty-trained podiatrists, Rachel L. Stern, D.P.M., Brian T. Damitz, D.P.M., Aaron K. Ruter, D.P.M., and Hassan Usmani, D.P.M., are skilled in treating a variety of foot and ankle injuries and conditions. Our doctors place a high value on excellent patient care and only use the most innovative techniques and state-of-the-art procedures. Our podiatrists also work in conjunction with our physical therapy team to reach each patient's personal goals in recovery.

To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists, please call (219) 921-1444 or request an appointment online.