What is a Podiatrist? 🦶⚕️
A Podiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs.
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
- Treat common foot problems such as bunions, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails
- Manage foot injuries and deformities
- Care for foot complications related to diseases like diabetes (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers)
- Perform surgeries on the foot and ankle when necessary
- Provide advice on proper footwear and orthotics (custom shoe inserts)
- Help with gait and balance issues related to foot structure
Common Conditions Treated by Podiatrists
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections
- Flat feet or high arches
- Arthritis affecting the foot and ankle
- Foot ulcers and infections
- Sports injuries like sprains and fractures
When to See a Podiatrist?
- Persistent foot pain or discomfort
- Wounds or sores on the feet that do not heal
- Changes in foot shape or skin
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Diabetic patients with foot problems require regular podiatry care to prevent complications
How Do Podiatrists Help?
- Diagnose foot and ankle issues through physical exams and imaging (X-rays, MRI)
- Prescribe medications, therapies, or custom orthotics
- Perform minor surgeries or refer to orthopedic specialists for complex cases
- Educate patients on foot care and injury prevention