Feet and ankles form the structural basis for mobility and balance in daily life. Specialized care for foot issues is provided within the field of podiatry, which focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower limbs. Gaining insight into the role of a podiatrist can help patients identify when expert assessment is appropriate for foot or ankle concerns.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the care of the foot, ankle, and associated structures of the leg. Their training encompasses the diagnosis and management of common to complex foot and ankle problems. Podiatrists may further specialize through fellowship training in areas such as sports medicine, pediatric podiatry, or diabetic foot care. They can collaborate with other healthcare providers when caring for patients with multifaceted needs involving the lower extremities.
What Do They Address?
Podiatrists diagnose and treat a broad range of foot and ankle concerns related to injury, disease, or abnormal biomechanics. Their expertise spans conditions affecting skin, nails, soft tissues, and bones. Common issues managed by podiatrists include:
- Bunions and Hammertoes: Bunions appear as a bony bump at the base of the big toe, while hammertoes involve bending of toe joints.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick tissue at the foot’s bottom, often resulting in heel pain.
- Nail Disorders: Management of ingrown toenails, nail fungus, and other nail conditions.
- Foot and Ankle Injuries: Diagnosis and management of sprains, fractures, and other trauma.
- Arthritis: Addressing the effects of degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the foot and ankle.
What Services Do They Provide?
Podiatrists deliver a range of nonsurgical and surgical services tailored to the condition and needs of each patient. The approach is determined by diagnosis, severity, and general health. Nonsurgical treatments that a foot specialist can utilize include:
- Orthotics: Custom orthotic inserts may be prescribed to address structural issues, offer support, and relieve discomfort.
- Medication Management: Prescription of medication to treat infections, decrease inflammation, and manage pain.
- Physical Therapy Guidance: Recommendation of exercises and stretching to promote strength, flexibility, and recovery in the foot and ankle.
- Wound Care: Specialized care techniques for ulcers and chronic wounds, including cleaning, removal of non-healing tissue, and use of appropriate dressings.
When other methods do not resolve symptoms or restore function, podiatric surgeons can offer surgical procedures. These surgeries address a variety of needs, such as bunion or hammertoe correction, fracture repair, soft tissue reconstruction, and tendon repair. The decision to proceed with surgery involves a detailed evaluation and a discussion about expected outcomes and rehabilitation.
Meet With a Specialist
Foot and ankle health directly influences overall mobility and daily activity. Signs such as persistent pain, limited movement, or visible deformities may reflect an underlying condition that merits an expert’s attention. Podiatrists are specifically trained to assess, diagnose, and manage disorders of the lower extremities using both noninvasive and surgical methods. Meeting with a podiatrist can provide patients with a thorough evaluation and a clear approach to treatment tailored to their situation.
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