Ricky Childers, DPM is a Podiatrist dedicated to providing comprehensive podiatric care at his clinic in Decatur, TX. He is registered with The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board and practices under the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act. Podiatrists (DPMs), also known as foot and ankle specialists, are the healthcare experts to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions, from common issues like bunions and ingrown toenails to complex surgeries, often collaborating with primary care physicians for comprehensive patient care. This area of practice involves diagnosing and treating conditions related to foot & ankle surgery as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan. Dr. Childers serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (940) 627-6976 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Childers is a podiatric foot & ankle surgery specialist in Decatur, TX with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from California School of Podiatric Medicine in 2002 and is affiliated with medical facilities such as Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance and Medical City Decatur. With over 20 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. Dr. Childers is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Childers is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Childers's approach to podiatric care is patient-centered and comprehensive. He utilizes a thorough diagnostic process, encompassing both conservative and surgical interventions, to address a broad range of foot and ankle conditions. His focus on clear communication and personalized treatment plans ensures patients understand their conditions and actively participate in their care.
By working together, you and Dr. Childers can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- BestChoice PPO
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- EPO and Open Access Aetna Select Texas Health EPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Childers offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Stress Fracture of Foot: Podiatrists are experts at diagnosing and treating stress fractures in the foot, which are tiny cracks in a bone usually caused by repetitive stress.
- Hammer Toe: A hammer toe is a bent toe, usually the second, third, or fourth toe, that looks like a hammer because of the bent joint.
- Non-Traumatic Rupture of Achilles Tendon: An Achilles tendon tear that occurs without a significant trauma, like a fall or impact, can be effectively diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist.
- Achilles Tendinitis: A podiatrist is the right medical professional to see if you're experiencing Achilles tendinitis; they can assess the severity, recommend appropriate treatment, and help prevent further injury.
- Rupture of Achilles Tendon: Podiatrists treat a ruptured Achilles tendon, which is a painful tear in the tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel, often requiring specialized care and rehabilitation.
- Ankle Impingement: Experiencing pain and limited range of motion in your ankle due to bone spurs or ligament irritation? This might be ankle impingement, and a podiatrist can offer a diagnosis and create a tailored treatment plan.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Rheumatoid arthritis in the ankle and foot causes painful inflammation and stiffness, and a podiatrist can help manage pain and improve mobility with treatments like medication, physical therapy, and custom orthotics.
- Foot Sprain: A foot sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments in your foot, and a podiatrist can diagnose it and recommend treatment like rest, ice, and possibly physical therapy.
- Osteoarthritis of Ankle: Experiencing chronic ankle pain and reduced mobility? A podiatrist can determine if ankle osteoarthritis is the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, including lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
- Bunionette: A bunionette causes a painful bump near the base of the little toe; your podiatrist can help relieve pain and improve the appearance of the affected area.
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: Posterior tibial tendonitis affects the tendon supporting your arch, leading to foot and ankle pain. Your podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend treatments such as orthotics, exercises, or even surgery if needed.
- Metatarsalgia: Pain in the ball of your foot, known as metatarsalgia, can be relieved with the help of a podiatrist who can assess the cause and recommend solutions like supportive shoes and exercises.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Childers offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: Achilles tendon rupture repair is a surgical procedure to fix a torn Achilles tendon, the thick tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone, restoring function and reducing pain.
- Ankle Arthroscopy: Using a small camera inserted through tiny incisions, ankle arthroscopy allows your podiatrist to repair damaged structures within your ankle joint, minimizing recovery time.
- Bunion Surgery: If conservative treatments fail to improve a painful bunion, surgery can remove the bony bump and realign the joint, restoring proper toe alignment.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Closed: Closed reduction of a foot fracture involves realigning the broken bones without an incision, usually followed by casting.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Open: This refers to surgical procedures to fix broken bones in the foot, which may involve plates, screws, or other fixation methods.
- Hammer Toe Repair: If you have a hammer toe causing pain or discomfort, surgery can help restore your toe's natural position.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: Nail avulsion and excision is a procedure to remove a severely damaged or infected toenail.
- Plantar Fascia Release: This procedure, often done minimally invasively, aims to relieve pain and improve function in the heel and arch by releasing tension in the plantar fascia.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Childers is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, the patient successfully managed their stress fracture, allowing them to return to their favorite activities without pain.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their hammer toe, experiencing reduced pain and improved mobility. The patient felt empowered to take control of their foot health and maintain a more active lifestyle.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
1713 S FM 51 Ste 103, Decatur, TX, 76234
Phone: (940) 627-6976
View on Map - Practice
2301 S FM 51 Ste 100, Decatur, TX, 76234
Phone: (940) 627-0993
View on Map - Practice
351 W Byron Nelson Blvd Ste 100, Roanoke, TX, 76262
Phone: (817) 674-7494
View on Map
- California School of Podiatric Medicine (Medical School) - 2002
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Podiatric care with Dr. Childers:
- What is the difference between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Childers is a podiatrist (DPM), specializing in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. Orthopedic surgeons (MD/DO) treat the entire musculoskeletal system, but some may have a fellowship in foot and ankle care. Dr. Childers's entire training is focused on the foot and ankle.
- Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
- To determine if a referral is needed, please contact your insurance provider directly. While many plans, like PPOs, allow direct appointments with Dr. Childers, some, such as HMOs, may require a referral from your primary care physician.
- My child's feet point inward when they walk. Is this a problem?
- In-toeing is common in young children and often resolves on its own. However, if your child's in-toeing is severe, persistent, or causing tripping, Dr. Childers can evaluate their gait and bone structure to determine if any intervention is necessary. He can recommend stretching exercises or special footwear, if needed.
- What are custom orthotics and how are they different from store-bought insoles?
- Custom orthotics, prescribed by Dr. Childers, are medical devices made from a precise mold of your feet. They are designed to correct specific biomechanical issues and provide support where it's needed most. Store-bought insoles, on the other hand, are generic, cushioned supports.
- What's the best way to treat an ingrown toenail?
- Dr. Childers advises against attempting to treat an ingrown toenail at home. DIY procedures can worsen the problem or lead to infection. A podiatrist can safely and effectively remove the ingrown portion of the nail in the office, and address recurring issues by removing a portion of the nail root.
- What causes heel pain, and how do you treat it?
- Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. Dr. Childers typically starts with conservative treatments like stretching, icing, and supportive footwear. Custom orthotics may also be helpful, and other options are available if these methods don't provide relief.
- I have diabetes. Why is it so important for me to see a podiatrist?
- Dr. Childers can help you prevent serious foot problems. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, making even small cuts or blisters risky. Regular check-ups are essential for managing foot health and preventing complications, including amputations.
- Do all bunions require surgery?
- Not at all. Many bunions can be managed without surgery. Dr. Childers focuses first on conservative treatments to relieve pain and pressure, such as recommending wider shoes, padding, and custom orthotics. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where pain is severe and significantly limits daily activities.
1713 S FM 51 Ste 103
Decatur TX 76234
Phone: (940) 627-6976
Ricky Childers, DPM is regulated by the the rules and regulations of the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1396855458
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Ricky Childers are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.