Are you or your loved one suffering from a foot problem and are finding it difficult to carry out their day-to-day activities? You are advised to see a podiatrist but you don’t know anything about what a podiatrist job entails? Well, this post is for you. You can also click here to connect with a professional podiatrist.
Everything you need to know about podiatrists.
A podiatrist is a specialist who treats or takes care of any foot-related issues such as foot and ankle injuries, foot surgery, wound care treatment, diabetic foot treatment, ingrown toenail surgery, and other forms of foot care as well.
They also peel off dead or hard skin from the foot, groom toenails properly, and even advise on the type of shoes to wear which are best for your conditions. Some podiatrists can also specialize in foot surgery but must have a license to do so.
Educational Background
Podiatrists must undergo extensive medical training including anatomy and physiology but are mostly concentrated on treating the lower extremities. They are to accomplish four years of study and training in a podiatric medical school.
Then they do their clinical training of at least three years of residency training in hospitals and clinics. They are then certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine once they have completed all the training required of them and passed all their exams. They are honored with the title of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine which can be added to the front of their name.
What Does A Podiatrist Do?
This lingering question in your mind does beg for an answer and as such, here are what a podiatrist do;
A podiatrist can diagnose and treat wide-ranging foot health-related conditions such as:
- Foot Injuries including fractured or broken bones which as well incorporate sprains and strains.
- Inflammation due to arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout, and foot pain.
- Diabetic food disorders include infections, chronic ulcers, and nerve damage.
- Structural abnormalities of the foot such as hammertoe, flat feet, and high arches. This may also include any heal pain such as plantar fasciitis.
They can also treat skin conditions such as warts, corns, athlete’s foot, and plantar dermatosis.
They also treat nail conditions such as ingrown nails and nail infections.
Types of Podiatrist
Another thing you need to know about podiatrists is that there are different types of a podiatrist. While some are specific about their areas of treatment such as sports medicine or wound care. Others generally treat all varieties of foot conditions.
Similarly, there are other specialties apart from the above which includes:
- neurologic foot conditions
- circulatory food conditions
- autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
- general or reconstructive surgery
- orthotics
- diabetes
- dermatology
- pediatric care
- geriatric care
Diagnosis
Before a podiatrist could ascertain the condition of a patient, they must carry out a diagnosis process. This is ensured by reviewing the patient’s medical history and the current or underlying symptoms.
Afterward, they will perform a basic physical examination of the foot. What they look for during this examination is inflammation, swelling, or skin discoloration. Also, they may request the patients to walk around or to move their feet and toes in different directions.
Based on their findings, they may require additional tests before making their final diagnosis. This is in a bit to be sure of what the cause of the conditions is.
Podiatrists make use of the following diagnostic tools to carry out their examination:
Imaging tests
These include X-ray, ultrasound, bone scan, CT scan, and MRI scan. These tests are carried out to reveal bone fractures, blocked or narrow blood vessels, and any other structural problems.
Blood Tests
This is to detect the presence of an infection or inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Quantitative Sensory Testing
This is carried out by making use of a specialized computer system that records how well the nerves react to changes in temperature and vibration. This test is carried out to detect and diagnose diabetic neuropathy, hypersensitivity, and any other nerve disorders of the foot.
Electromyography (EMG)
This test is used to measure how well muscles respond to nerve impulses.
Treatment
After a podiatrist makes a diagnosis, they can recommend treatment on their own or work with another specialist or an entire healthcare team depending on the type or severity of the condition.
The treatment may include setting fractured bones, prescription medication such as pain relievers, antibiotics and antifungals, and so on.
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