Are you having foot problems? Then there is a specialist who can help you! (Podiatrist)

How much do we really think about our feet, which carry the weight of our entire body and carry us everywhere? Sometimes when we get a little pain in our feet, we just write it off as "it's probably because we walked a little." Or we think it's something wrong with our sandals. But some of the problems that arise in your feet and ankles may not be so easy to ignore. So today we're talking about a doctor who can help you with any problem related to your feet and ankles, and who has specialized knowledge in that area.

Who is a foot and ankle specialist (Podiatrist)?

Simply put, a podiatrist is a doctor who is specially trained to care for the health of your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Just like there are cardiologists and dermatologists, these people are experts in our feet. They can diagnose and treat any problems you may have with your feet. Some people also call these doctors `podiatric physicians` or `podiatric surgeons`. This means that they can also perform foot surgery if needed.

If you have a problem with your feet, your family doctor (VOGP) may be able to refer you to a specialist like this. Or you can go see one yourself. They work in hospitals, clinics, or their own private medical centers.

What exactly does this specialist do?

Imagine you have a chronic pain in your heel. When you go to see such a doctor, he or she will first talk to you and ask you about your symptoms.

• "Since when does the cough come?"
• "Is it too early to get up in the morning?"
• "What kind of shoes are you wearing?"
• "What is your job? Do you stand for a long time?"
• "Playing games?"

By asking a lot of questions like these, he will understand your lifestyle. Then, he will examine your feet carefully. They will observe the way you stand and even the way you walk (this is also called a `gait assessment`). Because sometimes even small changes in the way we walk can cause foot pain.

Let's see what the main tasks they perform in the table below.

What are the common conditions treated by these specialists?

A podiatrist can treat a wide range of conditions that affect your feet. Let's take a look at some of them.

Common foot problems

• Ingrown Toenails: A nail that grows into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and infection.
• Toe Deformities: Toes flexing, hammer toes.
• Bunions: A bone protrusion at the base of the big toe that forms a bump.
• Plantar Warts: Painful warts that form on the soles of the feet .
• Foot and Ankle Arthritis: Pain and stiffness in the joints.
• Diseases of the skin and nails of the feet: things like fungal infections, dry skin, cracked heels.
• Swelling of the lower extremities: Swelling of the lower legs and feet.

Injuries to the feet and ankles

• Sports Injuries: Injuries that occur while playing running and jumping sports.
• Ankle Sprains: Tearing of the ligaments of the ankle joint.
• Plantar Fasciitis: A painful condition caused by inflammation of the tissue at the base of the heel. Many people experience pain that makes it difficult to put their heels on the ground when they first wake up in the morning.
• Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Rupture of the tendon at the top of the heel.

Fractures

These doctors can also treat any fractures that occur in the foot or ankle.

Diabetes and foot health: The role of this specialist

If you have diabetes (`Diabetes Mellitus`), a specialist like this can be a very important person in your life, because diabetes directly affects our feet.

Think about our neighbor, Aunty Soma. She has had diabetes for years. She often complains that her legs feel numb. Sometimes, even a small cut takes a long time to heal. This is because diabetes reduces the blood supply to the legs and damages the nerves (`Diabetic Neuropathy`). When the nerves are damaged, the feeling in the legs decreases. Then, even a small wound or a prick is not felt. Because the blood supply is poor, the wounds do not heal quickly. These wounds can fester and become seriously infected, sometimes to the point where fingers and even legs have to be amputated.

When a diabetic patient comes in, this doctor does the following:

• They ask how you control your blood sugar levels and what symptoms you have.
• Your feet, toes, and legs will be carefully examined. They will look for any changes in skin color, swelling, or wounds.
• Special equipment is used to check your feet for sensation . This can detect things like tingling and numbness.
• If you have an ulcer or blister caused by diabetes, check it for infection (discoloration, swelling, warmth, pus).
• You may also be referred for a test, such as an X-ray, to see if the wound is deep.

When should you see a specialist like this?

If you have any of the following symptoms in your foot or ankle, it is best to see a general practitioner and, if necessary, be referred to a specialist such as this one.

• Pain: Constant pain that occurs when walking or standing.
• Color changes: Skin turning red, blue, or pale.
• Swelling: Abnormal swelling in one or both legs.
• Feeling hot: If you feel an unusual heat somewhere in your foot (this could be a sign of an infection).
• New lumps or tumors: If a new lump or tumor appears on or under the skin.
• Non-healing wounds: Especially if you have diabetes, if you have even a small wound that doesn't heal.

Very important: Even if you have a minor foot problem, don't just go and get treatment based on your own thoughts or what you read on the internet. Sometimes, the smallest thing you do can make the problem worse. Therefore, always consult your doctor first and seek advice.

What is the difference between a foot specialist (Podiatrist) and an orthopedist?

This is a problem that many people have. Although both of them treat problems related to the movement of our bodies, their areas of expertise are different.

Simply put, if your problem is below the knee, especially in the foot and ankle, a podiatrist is the best choice. However, sometimes both of these doctors may treat you together.