Generally speaking, a podiatrist is a foot doctor and they practice podiatric medicine which is a vast and varied branch of medical science. It involves diagnosis and treatment along with the study of different disorders of your foot, ankle, lower leg and even lower back. A podiatrist is also known as a podologist or chiropodist. If you suffer from any ankle pain or foot disorder then you can consult with a podiatrist and they do not only suggest you the right footwear, but they can also suggest you some exercise to reduce your pain.
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Common Ailments Treated
This specialized foot care dates back to ancient Egypt when corns and calluses were removed from the feet and minor ailments like bunions. Over time their service has become vast and varied and it includes:
- Treating stubborn ingrown toenails or any cysts and tumors along with flat feet
- Removing corns, warts and calluses is also done by a podiatrist along with curing sprains and fractures in legs
- They are the best to treat any skin disorders such as plantar warts on your feet.
A podiatrist will have special characteristics such as an aptitude for science, interest in their job, good interpersonal skills, and critical thinking skills. Apart from that, academic ability and comfort with using precision instruments is also paramount for a good foot doctor. In addition to that they must have good eyesight, must be detail oriented and have adequate manual dexterity.
The Working Process
When you first visit the clinic, the foot doctor will conduct a thorough assessment of your foot and ankle. Treatment options are then discussed depending on the diagnosis. According to the need of the disorder a suitable and personalized treatment plan is chosen. You may also be suggested the appropriate footwear. You will also be informed about dispensing foot related problems.
For the treatment the foot doctor may carry out minor surgeries by using scalpels, chemicals and local anesthesia. Whether it is a sports injury or arthritis they will treat patients of all ages, from children to the elderly people.
Skills and Additional Responsibilities
A foot doctor must possess a few essential skills and attributes to be successful and these are:
- Knowledge about delicate treatments and about the intricate surgical methods
- Have proper and adequate knowledge about the patient’s medical history and ability to identify the reasons of the current problem
- Have the ability to deal with all kinds of patients with any issues. Even for some sports injuries, there are specialized podiatrists available and they can easily reduce your foot pain within a week.
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Apart from the proper treatment provided, the podiatrist may also perform a few additional responsibilities. They will maintain proper patient treatment records and a few podiatrists may also be actively involved in educating people about foot care and the importance of healthy feet.
Reasons to See A Podiatrist
You must walk to a podiatrist depending on the seriousness of the issue that you are experiencing. You should see a foot doctor when you feel joint pain in your feet or ankles. This may be arthritis which is a very common issue.
- You must also visit a foot doctor if you have diabetes. Yes, you heard it correct, diabetes as this significantly makes you vulnerable to foot problems.
- If your heel pain is limiting your activities you may have an overgrown bone known as heel spur or one of the tendons may be inflamed.
Apart from that when you have a sprain or strain in your feet or a broken bone or need a foot surgery you should visit a reliable foot doctor.
