Podiatry: Everything You Need to Know About Foot Health at Move Osteopathy
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders and injuries of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists, also known as foot doctors, are healthcare professionals who specialize in treating conditions that affect the feet and lower limbs.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about podiatry. Including the types of conditions podiatrists treat, how to find a podiatrist, and the treatments available.
Conditions Treated by Podiatrists
Podiatrists are trained to treat a wide range of foot and ankle and lower limb related conditions, including:
Sports injuries: Podiatrists treat common sports injuries such as sprains, fractures, and strains.
Foot and ankle pain: Pain in the feet and ankles can be caused by a wide range of conditions. For example plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis.
Balance problems: Research has shown that podiatry prescribed orthotics can be effective in improving balance in different populations. Including athletes, elderly individuals, and people with various medical conditions
Instability and falls: Podiatrist prescribed orthotics can help stability and reduce falls risks by Improving balance. Increasing the sense the position and movement of one’s body correcting of gait abnormalities and reducing pain
Paediatric foot care: Children’s feet grow and develop rapidly, and podiatrists can provide specialized care for common conditions. Eg lat feet, toe walking, and in-toeing.
Ingrown toenails: An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and inflammation.
Fungal infections: Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus can cause itching, burning, and discomfort.
Diabetic foot care: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing foot problems. Podiatrists are trained to provide specialized care to these patients.
Podiatry Treatments Available
Podiatrists use a variety of treatments to help their patients, including:
Orthotics: Orthotics are shoe inserts that are custom-made to help correct foot and ankle and lower limb problems.
Footwear advice and Prescription: The most appropriate shoe for your activity and specific foot shape and function can help achieve pain free movement.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve mobility.
Medications: Medications such as anti-inflammatories can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle changes: Podiatrists may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and proper footwear to help manage foot and ankle and lower limb related conditions.
General foot care: A podiatrist can provide expert treatments of difficult nail and skin conditions which can help patients with high-risk feet or who find self-care difficult.
Surgery: A podiatrist is able to perform local anaesthetic procedures such as ingrown toe nail removal and plantar ward excision
Conclusion
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or any other foot-related issues, it’s important to seek the help of our qualified podiatrist. Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, and they can help you find relief from pain and discomfort. By seeing our vastly experienced podiatrist and following the tips outlined in this article, we can help you manage your foot, ankle and lower limb health.