When you experience some health problems in your foot, for example, blisters, corns, calluses, fungal infections, sprains, sports injuries, ingrown toenails, gout, etc., you might probably start looking for foot doctors. You may come across three terms:
- Podiatrist – This is a specialist who specialises in ailments that revolve around your ankle and foot; that is, your ankle downwards.
- Chiropodist – This is simply an alternative word for a podiatrist.
- Orthopedist – This is a specialist who can do what a podiatrist can do, but also handle other areas of your body like shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips and knees.
What Should You Do If Your Foot Is Ailing?
You should make plans to visit a podiatrist/chiropodist. He or she examines your foot to make a diagnosis, which can be that he or she is capable of treating your ailment or the problem is in another area of your body and you are experiencing referred pain. If the latter is the case, the podiatrist refers you to an orthopedist.
Treatment might entail application of medication, surgery, injections, application of a cast, prescribing and supplying orthotics, recommending footwear, therapy, exercise, massage, etc.
What Should You Know About Foot Health?
There are three key things you should note about your feet:
Foot hygiene
Always keep your feet clean and dry. Additionally, keep them covered when necessary (for example, when walking on surfaces that can injure your feet).
Walking style
Your walking style can have an impact on how your foot develops. It can also lead to back pain. If you notice that the sole of your shoe is getting eaten away on one side, visit a podiatrist. He or she can help fit you with the right footwear to help you walk better.
Diabetic feet
If you know you are diabetic, your feet are at great risk. You are required to take extra care of your feet, where you have to inspect, clean and dry them every day. You should also make regular podiatrist visits for foot examination.
It is also important to note that a podiatrist offers advisory services, where you visit him or her and ask all questions you might have about foot hygiene and diseases. During such a session, your podiatrist examines your feet for ailments, commends you for taking good care of them, monitors your walking style, monitors the blood flow to your feet and gives you tips on how to care and maintain healthy feet.
If you have further questions, reach out to a local podiatrist.
Hello! Are you interested in finding out how you can deal with various diseases and illnesses? If so, you have come to the right place. My name is Mike and I live in Alice Springs, Australia. I am not a doctor or a nurse, but I have been nursing various members of my family for many years now. During this time, I have spent many hours in the doctor's office, the hospital and the waiting room. As a result, I have learnt a lot of useful things which I would like to pass on to other people. I hope you find my new blog useful.