In fact, 39 percent would exercise more and 41 percent would participate in more activities if their feet didn’t hurt. Fortunately, podiatrists like Emily Hermes, D.P.M., are available to treat foot and ankle pain.
What is the most common misconception about podiatry?
“The common misconception about podiatrists is that we only do palliative care when we are actually foot and ankle surgeons as well,” says Hermes. “Our extensive understanding of biomechanics helps us understand a patient’s deformity and identify the best treatment options — conservative or surgical.”
What are the most common reasons patients see a podiatrist?
“We see all types of foot and ankle pain that ranges from heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis to broken ankles,” explains Hermes. “We do routine diabetic foot screenings as well as ingrown nail procedures and various injections, but my favorite cases are pediatric and adult flat-foot reconstruction.”
Why did you choose podiatry as your specialty?
“I chose podiatry after working as an EMT and shadowing many specialties. I realized that I wanted a practice that helped patients to be more active,” says Hermes. “I was also very interested in biomechanics and how it relates to foot and ankle surgery. Podiatry incorporates all of my interests and has proven to be a good fit.”
Dr. Emily Hermes is a native of Maquoketa, Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she participated in the choir. She is a graduate of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa, and completed her surgical residency training at DeKalb Medical in Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Hermes is a faculty member of the Podiatry Institute and has lectured at multiple of their conferences all over the country and publishes in their yearly Update Textbooks. She is Board Qualified in Foot & Ankle Surgery. In her free time, she enjoys running, golfing, singing, playing the piano and spending time outdoors with her husband, Michael.
NEED A PODIATRIST?
Emily Hermes, D.P.M., and other physicians at Atlanta Podiatry Group are accepting new patients.
Call 770.979.1890 or visit www.atlantapodiatrygroup.com.
For a list of all DeKalb Medical Physicians Group primary care physicians and specialists, visit www.dmpg.org.
