Our feet carry the weight of our entire body and carry us around all day long, don't they? But we often give our feet very little care. So, when we have a problem or pain in our feet, there are times when you don't know who to tell or which doctor to go to. Today, we are talking about a specialist who can help us at such times.
Who is this Podiatrist? Simply put...
Simply put, a podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in problems and diseases of your feet, ankles, and lower leg, from the foot to the knee.
Just like there is a cardiologist, a dermatologist, and a doctor who specializes in the health of our feet and legs, there are doctors who are specially trained to look after them. Those are the ones we call Podiatrists. They treat injuries caused by accidents as well as the effects of long-term conditions like diabetes on the feet.
Are they really doctors?
Yes, absolutely. But there is a slight difference. They don't go to a traditional medical school. There are specialized medical schools dedicated to podiatric medicine. That's why they have a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) degree after their name instead of an MD (Medical Doctor).
But don't worry about the difference between these two degrees. A podiatrist is a fully qualified doctor.
They have the full authority and training to perform surgery, set broken bones, prescribe medications, and recommend things like X-rays or lab tests. Often, if a foot problem is related to another condition, they will work with other specialists to treat you as a team.
What are the common conditions that a podiatrist treats?
A podiatrist can help people of all ages with a variety of foot problems. Let's take a look at the main conditions. To make this information easier to understand, I will present it in a table like this.
| Medical condition/problem | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Fractures and Sprains | Common injuries to the foot or ankle. This includes treating and preventing injuries to athletes. |
| Bunions and Hammertoes | These are problems with the bones of the feet. Bunion is a swelling, pulling, and bending of the big toe joint toward the other toes. Hammertoe is a condition in which a toe does not bend properly and becomes like a hook. |
| Nail Disorders | Things like fungal nail infections and ingrown toenails. |
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) | This is very important. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and reduced blood flow to the feet. This can make it difficult to recognize when wounds are present and slow to heal. A podiatrist's help is essential to prevent diabetic foot amputations. |
| Arthritis | Joint swelling, pain, and wear and tear. We have 33 joints in one foot. This may require physical therapy, medication, special shoes, or surgery. |
| Heel Pain | It can be caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis or a calcium deposit in the heel bone (heel spur). |
| Morton's Neuroma | A condition of pain and inflammation caused by compression of a nerve between the third and fourth toes. It is more common in people who wear tight shoes or who run. |
When should you see a podiatrist?
In general, you may want to consider seeing a podiatrist if you have the following symptoms:
- Persistent foot pain: If your feet hurt not only when walking or running, but also when just standing.
- Changes in nails: If the nails are thick, yellow or black, and break easily.
- Skin problems: If the skin on the soles of your feet is peeling, cracking, or has cuts that won't heal (consider this an emergency , especially if you have diabetes).
- New growths: If warts or other growths develop on the feet.
- Difficulty walking: If your foot feels heavier on one side when walking.
What should you expect when you see the doctor?
When you go to see a podiatrist, it's just like seeing any other doctor.
First, he or she will ask about your complete medical history . He or she will ask about the medications you take, any surgeries you have had, and any other medical conditions you may have. Then, he or she will examine your posture, your gait, and the range of motion in your feet. He or she may also check to see if your shoes fit properly.
Some treatments can be done right away. For example, they can give you an injection for pain, trim a nail, remove something like a corn, or treat a wart (cryotherapy - using liquid nitrogen). Sometimes they can also recommend special shoes or orthotics for you.
Take-Home Message
- A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the health of your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
- Don't ignore foot pain, nail changes, or skin problems. Take extra care of your feet , especially if you have diabetes .
- A podiatrist can provide a wide range of treatments, from prescribing medications and special devices (orthotics) to performing surgery.
- If you have any foot problems, first talk to your family doctor (GP). If necessary, he or she will refer you to an appropriate specialist.
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