By kkhealthcarecentre 
Sometimes in life, you’ll need to visit a specialist for your feet called a podiatrist. These are the doctors you go to for foot health, different from the foot care professionals in a beauty salon. Their main role is to diagnose and treat issues like Athlete’s Foot and other foot and leg disorders. They also help with painful conditions such as cracked heels from inappropriate footwear and Plantar Fasciitis.
Benefits of Seeing a Podiatrist:
– Prevention: Besides treating foot conditions and infections, podiatrists provide advice on the right footwear and care to prevent future problems.
– Addressing Hidden Problems: Podiatrists are qualified to treat issues like ingrown nails, fungal infections, and distorted nails. For example, while treating swollen ankles or sore foot areas, they can also determine if diabetes is a factor and help you manage it.
– Useful Advice: They offer valuable guidance on foot skin care, suggest products, and teach you how to properly trim your nails to prevent complications like gangrene.
– Beyond the Foot: They often look at issues beyond your feet, like problems in your knees, shins, hips, and lower back pain.
– Exercise Recommendations: Podiatrists suggest strength-building exercises to alleviate pain related to foot issues.
Conditions Treated by a Podiatrist:
– Enhancing mobility by preventing foot problems, bone and joint disorders, muscular problems, neurological and circulatory diseases
– Treating foot injuries, Athlete’s Foot, shin splints, aching feet, heel spurs, and cracked heels
– Addressing fungal issues, plantar warts, and common foot conditions in children
– Advising on athletic footwear and helping with occupational safety related to standing on hard surfaces for long periods
Elements of Podiatry:
Podiatry is a specialized medical field focused on foot issues, considering your injury and medical history. Podiatrists evaluate your lifestyle, occupation, and footwear to diagnose problems accurately. The treatment and management approach varies depending on the foot issue, using different physical therapies and tools.
Why Choose a Podiatrist Over a General Practitioner?
Podiatrists are especially beneficial for athletes, diabetics, the elderly, and disabled individuals. They can also handle emergencies, like cryosurgery for tumors and Plantar Fasciitis. Here are some key aspects:
– They teach correct walking and running techniques and appropriate shoe choices, addressing both internal and external foot issues.
– Podiatrists quickly identify symptoms and issues, ensuring effective and lasting recovery.
– No referrals are needed to see a podiatrist, providing quick access to specialized care.