What Is a Podiatrist? What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists are doctors who assist with issues that can affect your feet or lower legs. They treat injuries and problems resulting from chronic health conditions such as diabetes. You may hear them referred to as a podiatric doctor or doctor in pediatrics.

Are They Doctors?

Podiatrists are doctors but they do not attend traditional medical schools. They have their own private schools as well as professional organizations. Also, there is “DPM” (doctor of podiatric medicine) in their names rather than “MD” (medical doctor).

Podiatrists may perform surgery, repair damaged bones, provide medications, and even request X-rays or lab tests. They usually work in conjunction with specialists when there is a problem that has an impact on your legs or feet. Within Australia., podiatrist Perth are licensed and regulated by the state governments.

Education and Training

Students in college aspiring to become podiatrists study biology as well as chemistry and physics in addition to other classes in science to prepare to attend podiatry schools. A majority earn a bachelor’s in biology or a related area of science.

Then, they attended podiatry college for four years. They investigate how bones, nerves, as well as muscles function to help you move. They also research the diseases and injuries that could cause problems for your feet. That includes knowing how to recognize and treat them, as well as how to repair your feet using surgery when needed.

When students graduate from the podiatry program and are employed within a clinic for three years. It’s called the residency. They apply what they’ve learned to apply. They also collaborate alongside doctors from other fields which include surgeons, anesthesiologists pediatricians, and specialists in infectious diseases.

Following completion of the residency program, patients are able to obtain advanced certifications in foot and ankle surgery.

Conditions Podiatrists Treat

Podiatrists can treat anyone regardless of age with a variety of foot-related issues, including:

• Fractures and strains: Podiatrists regularly treat these common injuries whenever they affect the feet or an ankle. They also practice medical sports treat foot issues athletes experience and offer strategies to avoid these.
• Bunions and Hammertoes: These are problems with the bones within your feet. A bunion occurs because the joint that is at the bottom of your big toe grows larger or is damage or knocked out of position. The toe is then able to turn towards the other. A hammertoe does not bend in the right direction.
• Nail conditions: These include issues such as an infection of your nail that is caused by a fungal infection or an ingrown nail. This is the case when a side or corner of your nail develops into your toe instead of straight out.
• Diabetic: This is a condition where the body isn’t producing the hormone insulin or doesn’t utilize it as it is supposed to. Insulin helps you digest sugar. Diabetes can cause nerve damage in your legs or feet and cause difficulty getting enough blood to your feet.
  Diabetes can trigger grave complications. A staggering 65,000 people every year require a foot amputated, or taken out by a doctor due to diabetes. A podiatrist could help avoid this. If you are diabetic be sure to have any callus or sore on your feet evaluated.
• Arthritis: It’s cause by swelling, inflammation, and wear and tear on joints. Every foot is compose of 33 joints. A podiatrist may recommend treatment with drugs, physical therapy, or special inserts or shoes to treat your arthritis. Surgery is also an option in the event that other treatments fail for you.
• Growth problems. If your child’s feet are pointed inward or appear like they’re flat, or if their toes do not meet correctly a podiatrist could be able to help. They can suggest exercises, insoles, or braces. Also, they could suggest surgery.
• Heel pain: The most common reason for heel discomfort is heel spurs, an accumulation of calcium in the base of your heel bone. They can be cause by running, wearing shoes that aren’t fitting properly, or if you are overweight. Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the connective tissue running along the foot’s bottom. The shoes you wear for sports and other activities are often the cause. Overpronation, which is when your foot is bent out or in too much while walking is frequently a reason for this. It is also a cause that can cause injury to athletes, just as Achilles tendinitis which can cause pain in the heel’s back where the tendon connects. Treatment usually begins with over-the-counter pain medication and could also include orthotics, and shoe inserts. Some people need surgery.
• Morton’s Neuroma. Nerve problems between the fourth and third-foot bones may result in burning, pain, and the sensation that something is in your shoe. The majority of cases affect runners. Shoes that are too tight and pronation can make it more severe. A podiatrist will give you shots to relieve pain and inflammation and assist you in finding an orthotic. It is possible that you will need surgery to eliminate the issue.

Reasons to See a Foot Focus Podiatry

Your feet are a great source of work. When you’re 50 and walking, you’ll have walked 70,000 miles. Feet are complex structures, with numerous bones, tendons, and ligaments that need to cooperate perfectly to allow you to move.

Consult a podiatrist or a Foot surgeon in perth whenever you’re suffering from:

• Foot pain
• Nails that are discolor or thick
• Skin cuts or cracks that can be found on your skin
• Growths like warts
• Scaling-on peeling off your soles

What to Expect at the Podiatrist

The first time you visit a podiatrist Perth is similar to the other doctors you see. They’ll ask you questions regarding your medical background, any medications you’re taking, and any operations you’ve had.

They’ll assess the way you walk and stand check the range of motion of your joints, and check the fit of your shoes. The first visit is usually the time to address the problem of ingrown toenails and bunions. lower back and heel pain circulation issues within your feet, if you suffer from diabetes, and foot deformities.

The podiatrist may suggest orthotics, padding, or physical therapy for your issues. They may treat certain issues at the office. They may use instruments such as syringes for pain medication, nail splitters, or an anvil to take out ingrown nails. Scalpels may cut through the skin around a nail or even remove portions of calluses and corns. A lot of doctors utilize cryotherapy equipment — such as liquid nitrogen — in order to eliminate plantar warts.