Frequently Asked Questions

A. Dr. Michael Katz and Dr. Anthony Spinella have privileges at Venice Regional Medical Center located at 540 The Rialto Venice, Florida 34285. Visit their website at veniceregional.com.

A. A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to sprains and fractures, bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses.

A podiatrist also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel. Four years of undergraduate medical school training and four years of podiatric medical school to obtain their podiatric medical degree. Typically, they complete post graduate residency training in podiatric primary care, orthopededics and/or surgery. Podiatrists are required to take state and national exams, as well as be licensed by the state in which they practice.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are more than 17,800 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country.

Typically, podiatrists perform the following services:

•  Consult with the patient and other physicians on how to prevent foot problems.
• Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities.
• Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions, clawtoes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, and ruptured Achilles and other ligaments and tendons.
• Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and lab tests.
• Prescribes or fits patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.
• Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

A. You should call Gulf Coast Foot & Ankle to schedule an appointment if any of the following symptoms or conditions are present:

• Persistent pain in your feet or ankles
• Noticeable change to your nails or skin
• Feet are severely cracking, scaling, or peeling
• Blisters on your feet
• Signs of bacterial infection, including: increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat; red streaks extending from the affected area; discharge of pus; fever of 100°F(37.78°C) or higher with no other cause; symptoms that do not improve after two weeks of treatment with a non-prescription product; spreading of the infection to other areas, such as the nail bed, or skin under the nail, the nail itself, or the surrounding skin.
• Toenail is getting thicker and causing you discomfort
• Heel pain accompanied by a fever, redness (sometimes warmth) or numbness or tingling in your heel, or persistent pain without putting any weight or pressure on your heel, or the pain is not alleviated by ice, aspirin, (or ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
• Diabetes or certain diseases associated with poor circulation and you develop athlete`s foot. People with diabetes are at increased risk for a severe bacterial infection of the foot and leg if they have athlete`s foot.