A Podiatrist is a doctor that deals with foot problems. They are specialist in carrying foot surgeries and is also called a podiatric surgeon. They have obtained education and training in diagnosing and treating medical conditions and injuries in your feet. Apart from this, they are also specialized in diagnosing and treating ankle and lower limb problems.
Foot Conditions They Treat
Podiatrists treat people of all ages. While some see general foot conditions like general care physicians, other are specialist in foot medicines. They specialize in the following areas:
- Foot pain and inflammation as a result of rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, or gout.
- Foot injuries like broken or fractured bones, also, sprains and strains.
- Skin conditions like corns, warts, athlete’s foot and plantar dermatosis.
- Structural foot abnormalities such as flat feet, hammertoe, and high arches.
- Diabetic foot problems like chronic ulcer, infections, and neuropathy or nerve damage.
Risk Factors Contributing to Foot Problems
There are certain conditions which trigger foot problem in people. Some of these are:
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Poor blood circulation
- Diabetes
- Heart disease and stroke
When Is the Time to See A Podiatrist?
A person with any issues relating to foot or ankle because of arthritis, sports injury, skin problems, etc., must visit a podiatrist. They are a specialist in managing and treating symptoms that involve ankle and foot area. Experiencing any of the problem mentioned below, you will know it is time to see a podiatrist:
Nail Fungus
In many cases, people suffer from nail fungus by going to nail salon regularly and trying different experiments or sometimes not looking after their foot. The infection can cause the nail to discolour and thick when it is ignored over a period of time. Plus, it can spread to other toenails too. So, before it gets late, see a podiatrist immediately.
Numbness, Swelling or Pain in The Foot
Having swollen or sore feet is normal after running a race or standing all day. But when you grow pain, numbness or swelling for no apparent reason, it can be because of a serious issue. So, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist as soon as you feel any kind of discomfort.
Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
People who have Type 1 or Type 2 are under a higher threat of having foot problems like nerve damage, poor circulation, infection and ulcer. So, it is better to see a doctor once a year as a precaution against future disease.
Painful Calluses or Corns
Calluses or corns usually develops as a result of dead skin. These are a common problem in people but becomes very painful when the skin becomes too thick. A podiatrist can help you remove the hardened skin areas to release the pain and provide topical medication to treat them.
What to Expect from Them?
If you are visiting a podiatrist for the first time, you can expect them to be just like any other doctor. They will ask you questions involving your medical history. They will need to know the medications you are taking, or surgeries in case you have gone through any.
Moreover, they check the functioning of your feet, how you are walking, and your feet range of motion. Accordingly, the doctor will suggest padding, orthotics, therapy, etc. They also might use different tools like nail splitters, scalpels or liquid nitrogen to treat different conditions. Where some conditions can be treated in the office, some may require a longer period to heal. So, you must maintain patience.
Now you know that these specialists regularly deal with people of all age carrying different foot problems. The doctor diagnoses them and suggests them the best treatment possible for a faster recovery. So, if you are facing any of the problems mentioned above, make sure to visit a podiatrist before it’s too late.
Author Bio: Joseph is an excellent blogger and philosophers, His keen observation to provide useful information which helps readers to get more ideas. He can be found on Facebook and on Twitter as @aussiesmag.
