A podiatrist is a medical professional specialising in disorders of the foot, ankle, and related leg structures. The term originated in North America, but it is now widely accepted as a term for practitioners of podiatric medicine throughout the English-speaking world. While podiatric care differs from orthopedic care, practitioners specialise in foot care. Listed below are some common foot conditions and procedures treated by a podiatrist.

Common foot disorders

Your feet have a tremendous responsibility. They support your entire body and are susceptible to injury. Here’s some insight into common foot disorders and conditions. The foot comprises 28 bones, 37 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and many tendons. Most people will experience one or more of these conditions in their lifetime. Click these categories to search for a specific condition to learn about foot pain.

Diabetic neuropathy is a group of foot conditions caused by diabetes. People with diabetes are at a greater risk for fluctuations in their blood sugar. Lifestyle factors and injuries can also cause the condition. Diabetic neuropathy can be treated by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and quitting smoking. Adelaide podiatrist can prescribe medication to manage symptoms. Keeping your feet clean and dry will help minimise your chances of developing foot issues.

Procedures performed by a podiatrist.

Adelaide podiatrist is trained in the art of using a scalpel blade and administering local anesthesia. In office procedures, they can treat various conditions related to feet and ankles, such as ingrown nails. Ingrown toenails are uncomfortable and caused by various factors, including the curvature of the toe, too-tight shoes, or even a minor injury.

Sometimes, a podiatrist can perform surgical procedures to correct a foot condition. For example, bunion surgery involves realigning the bones and soft tissue at the base of the big toe. Small plates or screws may be used to keep the bones in place. A change in footwear style can also help reduce the appearance of calluses and bunion pain. However, if left untreated, surgery is often necessary.

Surgery for heel spurs is another standard procedure performed by a podiatrist. This procedure can provide temporary relief from pain and help regain full mobility. After an examination, a podiatrist will recommend a treatment plan appropriate for your particular condition. Depending on the severity of the condition, a podiatrist may recommend a procedure to correct the condition.

Conditions treated by a podiatrist.

Various conditions can affect children’s feet, including flat feet. Flat feet, for example, are usually caused by abnormal pressure and may not cause problems until a young age. In addition to treating flat feet, podiatrists can also recommend braces or special shoes to correct flat feet, which are common among children. These doctors can also provide advice for special foot exercises. Often, children’s feet can be too small for their age, causing pain and disability.

Choosing between a podiatrist and an orthopedist

When you have foot or ankle pain, finding the right medical specialist for the treatment you need is crucial. A podiatrist is trained in conventional treatment methods for foot and ankle ailments, while an orthopedist is trained in musculoskeletal disorders. However, the treatments offered by these two specialists can be quite different. In this article, we’ll compare the treatment offered by each physician and discuss the difference between podiatrists and orthopedists.

When choosing a medical doctor, you must decide whether to see a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon. While they specialise in treating skeletal conditions and injuries, orthopedic surgeons are more general practitioners with a broad range of knowledge. For example, a podiatrist can treat any foot or lower extremity condition.

Seeing a podiatrist is vital for prevention. Often, a simple over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can only address the symptoms of joint pain in the foot. A doctor can determine what’s causing your pain and recommend a long-term solution.