How Podiatrists Help Your Whole Body

People who do sports or other rigorous exercises must see specialist doctors for their muscles and joints. Chiropractors and massage therapists are the usual specialists’ visits, but there are more aspects to your joint and muscle health you must attend to. 

Your feet and ankles need attention, too; that’s why you must sometimes visit a podiatrist for check-ups. So they can recommend specialized insoles or treatment for your feet.

What Is A Podiatrist?

The people who usually visit podiatrists are the elderly and those who join sports; that’s why you don’t hear about them. These medical specialists deal with any concerns around your lower legs and feet. 

Podiatrists attend schools specializing in this field, so they are slightly different from other doctors. However, they can order lab tests, do surgery, prescribe drugs, and reset broken bones.

These medical specialists focus on the most used part of your body; you must visit them when you feel any problems.

Podiatrist’s Scope Of Practice

These medical specialists usually focus on the foot area, but a podiatrist clinic can attend to other body issues like:

• Sprains and fractures – These are the most common problems a podiatrist will face. They can fix it through treatments or operations. 
• Arthritis – This problem happens because of wear and tear in your foot joints. Most of the time, it is also due to genetics.
• Heel pain – Most athletes and workout junkies struggle with heel pain. However, heel pain can sometimes be a symptom of some other health issue, so make sure to get it checked out.
• Bunions and hammertoes – These problems may happen when you use ill-fitting shoes. Avoid wearing tight or loose footwear to avoid this issue.
• Diabetes – This condition can damage the nerves in your legs, so podiatrists also handle it.
• Nail disorders – When ingrown nails become severe, you must see a podiatrist for treatment. Do not remove them yourself to avoid further complications.

• Morton’s neuroma – Runners usually feel this condition that makes their foot’s third and fourth bones ache. Podiatrists can give shots to alleviate the inflammation.
• Feet problems with children – Podiatrists can help when a child’s foot isn’t growing correctly. They may recommend braces, insoles, or even surgery. 

Signs You Must See A Podiatrist

Your joint and muscle health can affect several aspects of your life. Luckily, specialty clinics offer various rehabilitation services, including foot care. It’s best if you visit your podiatrist once you notice any of these symptoms:

1. You have a broken ankle or foot

You can quickly walk off some sprains, but if the pain doesn’t disappear and you have difficulty walking, you need to see a podiatrist. 

Prolonged pain and numbness may also be signs of an injury, especially after running. Schedule a check-up with your doctor for this issue. 

2. You have athlete’s foot or other fungal infections

Foot infections are common, but if they continue returning even when you use creams, your podiatrist will need to prescribe something more potent. 

3. There’s an ingrown toenail

You can remove an ingrown toenail yourself, but it’s always safer and less painful to have a podiatrist do it. 

4. You have diabetes

This condition affects the circulation and nerve function in your body. Visit a foot doctor once a year to ensure your lower body is still in good condition.

5. You develop bunions, calluses, and corns

Friction from tight shoes can cause these problems and become extremely painful if you leave them alone. Visit your podiatrist so they can prescribe creams or do an operation. 

What Happens In The Clinic?

A podiatrist clinic acts like any other doctor. They will give you an initial check-up and ask about your medical history. 

Podiatrists can treat bunions or ingrown nails on the first visit, but more long-term treatments need several visits. These medical specialists may do physical therapy to help with problems like sprains and arthritis. 

How To Find The Best Podiatrist

You must look for a highly experienced podiatrist to help with your chronic and acute foot conditions. A good clinic has the best foot doctors who dedicate their time to helping you recover. They offer all kinds of treatment, and you can visit them multiple days a week. 

Here are some of the treatments that a good podiatrist offers:

• Custom orthotics
• Fungal nail treatment
• Ingrown toenail treatment
• Diabetic foot management
• Shockwave therapy
• Children’s feet assessment
• Foot mobilization and manipulation
• Gait analysis
• Sports podiatry
• Toenail surgery

Conclusion

Foot doctors are one of the most versatile in the medical world. They attend to muscle and joint issues, as well as complications from diabetes and growing pains. 

Book an appointment with your podiatrist to monitor the health of your feet. Any inflammation or problems you develop can affect how you manage your daily life; that’s why you must take good care of your lower legs and feet.

Medical Disclaimer: All the content available on the website is just for informational purposes. It’s not a substitute for any Professional advice. Don’t take it personally. As a medical student, I’m just trying to use my information through my content, and please keep in mind it’s not written by a professional doctor. Use the data just for educational purposes.