When it comes to foot problems, we generally head to a chiropodist or a podiatrist. But what is the difference between the two? Let us find out.
- What does a chiropodist do?
A chiropodist is a healthcare professional who helps prevent, diagnose, and treat foot conditions.
Chiropody involves the assessment of the feet, as well as the treatment and prevention of foot diseases, disorders, or dysfunctions by therapeutic, orthotic, or palliative means.
Chiropodists can help you with a wide range of foot ailments, including simple and complex issues. They help prevent and correct deformities, maintain mobility, relieve pain, and treat infections.
You can refer to a chiropodist if you have any of the following problems.
- Thickened toenails
- Verrucas
- Athlete’s foot
- Ingrown toenails
- Corns and calluses
- Bunions
- Blisters
- Heel problems (pain or cracked heels)
- Sports injuries
- Smelly feet
- Flat feet
- Gout
Chiropodists may also provide you with a detailed assessment of your walking and running patterns and their impact on your foot and lower limbs. They may provide orthotics, including shoe padding, insoles for hard surfaces, exercises, acupuncture, and general advice on the best footwear for you.
- What does a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist is a medical specialist that handles the problems affecting your feet and lower legs. They can treat foot injuries as well as complications arising from health issues such as diabetes.
Podiatrists require a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from an accredited podiatry school. They have a DPM (doctor of podiatric medicine) after their names instead of MD (medical doctor).
They are licensed to perform surgery, prescribe medication, reset broken bones, and order diagnostic tests and x-rays. Our podiatrist narre warren, will diagnose your problem, determine the source of your discomfort, and establish a treatment plan that works to your situation.
Conditions that podiatrists treat include:
- Fractures and sprains: Podiatrists treat fractures and sprains of the feet and ankles. They are especially helpful in treating sports injuries.
- Bunions and hammertoes: These problems arise in the bones of the feet. A bunion is formed when the joint at the base of the big toe gets bigger and is displaced, thereby making the big toe bend towards the others. A hammertoe is a toe that does not bend the right way.
- Nail disorders: A podiatrist treats nail infections resulting from an ingrown toenail or a fungus.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the nerves in your lower limbs and feet and prevents blood from reaching your feet. It can lead to further complications that may even lead to foot amputation. Regular checkups with a podiatrist can help you prevent any such occurrence. If you have diabetes, make sure to get any sore or callus on your foot checked out.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is defined as the inflammation, swelling, and subsequent wearing down of the joints. A podiatrist may help you with arthritis by recommending medication, physiotherapy, and special shoes or inserts.
- Heel pain: One of the most common causes of heel pain is heel spurs. Spurs are defined as the buildup of calcium at the bottom of your heel bone. Spurs may develop as a result of running, obesity, ill-fitting shoes, and more.
- Morton’s neuroma: Morton’s neuroma typically affects runners. It is a result of nerve issues between the third and fourth bones of your feet. Morton’s neuromas may result in pain, burning, and irritation. A podiatrist can give you medication to treat the inflammation and pain.
- Flat feet: Flat-footed people may need orthotics, like arch support or foot brace. Your podiatrist can provide you with customized foot support braces.
You can refer to a podiatrist if you have any of the following problems.
- Foot pain
- Thick or discolored toenails
- Cracks or cuts in your skin
- Growths like warts
- Scaling on peeling on your soles
- What is the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist?
People find it confusing to differentiate between a podiatrist and chiropodist. However, there is no difference between the two.
Podiatry was the new name given to Chiropody in 1993. Chiropodists and podiatrists hold the same qualifications, have the same experience, and they both can help you with foot problems.
Although neither chiropodists nor podiatrists are doctors, they deal with all kinds of foot problems. They require seven additional years of training, including years of work experience and an additional master’s and a certificate in surgery, to become a podiatric surgeon.
The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery certifies podiatric surgeons after they sit for specialized exams in general foot health and surgery.
Podiatrists must also acquire a license to practice in the state that they work in, as practicing without a license is not permitted. For instance, podiatrists in Dallas, TX, require a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to practice in Texas.
Much like doctors, podiatrists are also required to renew their licenses after every few years.
- Parting thoughts
The human foot has 26 bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Your feet support your weight and enable you to stand, walk, and run.
Foot pain can limit your movement but also hinder your day-to-day activities. A podiatrist is a foot expert who can diagnose and treat an array of foot-related problems. Get your feet checked by your podiatrist as a part of your routine exam, even if you have healthy feet.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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