What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Curious about the role of a podiatrist? “What does a podiatrist do?” is a common question.

Podiatrists are medical specialists who help with problems that affect your feet or lower legs. They can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. You might hear them called a podiatric physician or doctor of podiatric medicine.

What Does a Podiatrist Do to Treat Common Foot Conditions?

Conditions Podiatrists Treat: 

Podiatrists treat people of any age for many foot-related conditions, including:

Fractures and sprains:

Podiatrists regularly treat these common injuries when they affect the foot or ankle. They also work in sports medicine, treating foot problems athletes have and recommending ways to avoid them.

Bunions and hammertoes: 

These are problems with the bones in your feet. A bunion happens when the joint at the base of your big toe gets bigger or is knocked out of place. That makes the toe bend toward the others. A hammertoe is one that doesn’t turn the right way.

Nail disorders:

These include issues like an infection in your nail caused by a fungus or an ingrown toenail. That’s when a corner or side of a nail grows into your toe instead of straight out.

Diabetes:

This is a condition in which your body either doesn’t make a hormone called insulin or doesn’t use it the way it should. Insulin helps you digest sugar. Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet or legs, and you might have trouble getting enough blood to your feet. Diabetes can cause serious complications. More than 65,000 people a year need to have their feet amputated by a doctor because of diabetes. A podiatrist can help prevent that. If you have diabetes, make sure to get any sores or calluses on your feet checked out.

Arthritis:

This results from inflammation, swelling, and wear and tear on your joints. Each foot has 33 joints. A podiatrist might recommend physical therapy, drugs, or special shoes or inserts to help with your arthritis. Surgery might also be an option if other treatments don’t work well for you.

Growing pains:

If your child’s feet turn inward or appear flat, or if their toes don’t align properly, a podiatrist could provide helpful solutions. This might involve recommending exercises, insoles, or braces. In some cases, they might even suggest surgery as an option.

Heel pain:

Heel pain often results from heel spurs due to excess calcium buildup. Activities like running, ill-fitting shoes, or excess weight trigger them. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation along the foot’s underside, often tied to sports and improper footwear. Overpronation, or excessive bending in walking, affects athletes. Achilles tendinitis, causing pain where the tendon attaches, is also common. Initial solutions involve pain relief, orthotic inserts, and surgery for severe cases.

Morton’s neuroma:

Nerve issues between the third and fourth bones of your foot can bring about pain, a burning sensation, and even the feeling that something is inside your shoe. This is particularly common among runners and tends to worsen with tight shoes and overpronation. For relief, a podiatrist can offer anti-inflammatory shots, help you discover the right orthotic, and, in more severe cases, suggest surgical removal if needed.

What Does a Podiatrist Do, and Why Should You See One?

Your feet do a lot of work. By the time you’re 50, you’ll have walked 75,000 miles on them. Feet are complex structures with many bones, tendons, and ligaments that have to work together perfectly to keep you moving.

When should a client see a podiatrist?

Individuals with healthy feet should still visit a podiatrist once every year. The doctor can identify potential issues and recommend steps you can take to avoid problems and maintain healthy feet. Patients who have specific foot or ankle conditions, such as a history of foot ulcers, should see a podiatrist more often.

Do Podiatrists Cut Toenails? What Does a Podiatrist Do for Nail Care?

Your podiatrist can safely cut your nails and remove fungus without spreading it. They can also prescribe antifungal creams and sprays to help the nail heal.

What Does a Podiatrist Do to Diagnose Foot and Ankle Problems

These specialized doctors play a pivotal role by skillfully determining the optimal approach for addressing and recuperating from various lower extremity medical conditions and injuries. This involves conducting X-rays and lab tests, proficiently performing surgeries, prescribing necessary medications and orthotic devices, and engaging in a host of other essential activities.

Why do older people need a podiatrist?

Seniors are often unaware of the injuries they may sustain on their feet. Upon closer inspection of the feet and ankles, a local podiatrist can properly inspect the feet for cuts, bruises, swelling, or any other injuries that may otherwise go unseen.

Benefits of Podiatry Service:

1. Podiatrists Are Experts in Foot and Ankle Care
2. Enjoy Healthy Feet and Ankles
3. Relieve Foot Pain
4. Support Your Feet with the Right Footwear