Medical specialists known as podiatrists can help with problems involving your feet or lower legs. They have the ability to deal with both wounds and the aftereffects of chronic illnesses like diabetes.
Is a Podiatrist a Doctor?
A podiatrist is a medical professional, although they do not attend conventional medical schools. They run their own institutions and organizations for professionals. Additionally, rather than “MD,” they have “DPM” (doctor of podiatric medicine) following their names (medical doctor).
Podiatrists can perform surgery, realign broken bones, provide medication, and request X-rays or lab tests. When a condition affects your feet or lower legs, they frequently collaborate closely with other doctors. Podiatrists in the United States are subject to state government licensing and regulation.
Training and Education
To prepare for podiatry school, prospective podiatrists study biology, chemistry, and physics courses in college, in addition to other science courses. The majority earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related branch of study.
They then spend four years in podiatry school. They look at how your muscles, nerves, and bones interact to make you move. They also research ailments and accidents that can harm your feet. That includes how to identify them, handle their treatment, and, if necessary, operate on their feet to correct them.
The American Podiatric Medical Association has approved nine podiatry schools in the United States.
After completing podiatry school, graduates spend three years working in hospitals. They put what they’ve learned to use during a residency. They collaborate with medical professionals in many specialties, such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, paediatricians, and infectious disease experts.
They can obtain advanced certification in foot and ankle surgery during their residency.
Conditions that Foot Doctors Treat
Podiatrists treat a wide range of foot-related diseases in patients of all ages, including:
Sprains and fractures
Podiatrists often treat these common wounds when they involve the foot or ankle. Additionally, they provide sports medicine, treat players’ foot conditions and provide preventative guidance.
Hammertoes and bunions
When the big toe joint at the base enlarges or goes out of place, a bunion forms. The toe flexes toward the other toes in that way.
A hammertoe is any toe that doesn’t flex correctly.
Nail conditions
These include conditions like a toe fungal infection or an ingrown toenail. When a nail grows into your toe rather than straight out, the corner or side of the nail will do so.
Diabetes
Your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it as it should in this scenario. It aids in the digestion of sugar. Diabetes may impede the flow of enough blood to your feet and may deteriorate the nerves in your legs or feet.
Diabetes can have serious repercussions. More than 65,000 people a year must have their feet amputated by a doctor due to diabetes.
A podiatrist can assist in avoiding the formation of diabetes feet. If you have diabetes, have any sores or calluses on your feet inspected.
Arthritis
This happens as a result of joint deterioration, edema, and inflammation. The 33 joints on each foot. To treat your arthritis, a podiatrist may advise physical therapy, medication, or special footwear or inserts. In the event that other therapies don’t help you, surgery may also be a possibility.
Growing pains
A podiatrist might be able to help if your child’s feet point inward, appear flat, or have misaligned toes. They might suggest stretches, orthotics, or braces. They might also advise surgery.
