Who Is a Podiatrist and When Should I See One?

Have you ever experienced foot pain, swelling or discomfort? Did you know that there is a specialist called a podiatrist who can help you with your foot and ankle problems? They specialize in analyzing and treating disorders related to the foot and ankle.

With their extensive training and expertise, they can help you maintain healthy and pain-free feet. But when should you see a podiatrist? Keep reading to find out.

Who is a Podiatrist? 

A podiatrist, also known as a podiatric physician, specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions and disorders affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. 

What Conditions are Treated by Podiatrists?

Our feet are essential to our daily lives, allowing us to move, walk, run, and stand. But with so much wear and tear, our feet are prone to various conditions and injuries that can cause pain and discomfort. Fortunately, podiatrists can help treat some of these conditions, such as:

Sports Injuries 

Sports injuries affecting the foot and ankle are common and can range from minor sprains and strains to more serious conditions such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears. Podiatrists play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related foot and ankle injuries.

Here are some of the common sports injuries that podiatrists treat:

Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain arises when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint are stretched or torn. Podiatrists can help diagnose the severity of the sprain and develop a treatment plan, which may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, bracing, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones compelled by redundant strain or overuse. Podiatrists can diagnose stress fractures with imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, and develop a treatment plan that may include rest, immobilization, and gradual return to activity.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a typical disorder that compels discomfort in the heel and bottom of the foot. It surfaces when the plantar fascia, a tissue band connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. Podiatrists usually recommend stretching exercises, orthotics, and other treatments to reduce pain and inflammation.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is a disorder that generates discomfort and inflammation in the tendon, which joins the calf muscles to the heel bone. Podiatrists diagnose and treat Achilles tendinitis with a variety of treatments, including rest, ice, physical therapy, orthotics, and sometimes surgery.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are typical examples of overuse damage, and provoke discomfort along the shin bone (tibia). Podiatrists can recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation, as well as physical therapy and orthotics to help relieve symptoms and prevent further injury.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a distinctive disorder that concerns the joints, including those in the feet and ankles. Podiatrists play an important role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of foot and ankle arthritis. Here are some of the typical kinds of arthritis that affect the feet and ankles and how podiatrists can help:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis and occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away over time, causing pain and stiffness. A podiatrist can diagnose osteoarthritis by examining the affected joint and using imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans. Treatment options may include custom orthotics, physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that forces hives in the joints. They can help control signs by prescribing medicines, suggesting joint protection techniques, and providing custom orthotics or shoe modifications to alleviate pressure and pain.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals gather in the joints, provoking inflammation and pain. Podiatrists can help diagnose and manage gout by prescribing medications and recommending lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, to reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of arthritis that can impact people with psoriasis. A podiatrists can help diagnose and manage psoriatic arthritis by prescribing medications, recommending physical therapy and exercise programs, and providing custom orthotics or footwear modifications to alleviate pressure and pain in the affected joints.

Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, is a state where the arches of the feet are lower than normal or absent, causing the entire foot to touch the ground when standing. If left untreated, it can lead to pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat flat feet. Here are some of the ways in which podiatrists can help with flat feet:

Custom Orthotics

Podiatrists can prescribe custom-made orthotics or shoe inserts to help support the arch and reduce pain and discomfort. These devices are designed to fit the unique shape of the patient's foot and can be worn inside any type of shoe.

Physical Therapy

They can recommend exercises and stretches to help support the muscles in the feet and ankles and enhance flexibility. Physical therapy can also help reduce pain and discomfort caused by flat feet.

Bracing

Sometimes, they may recommend wearing a brace or support device to help hold the foot more naturally and reduce pain and discomfort.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes is a common foot condition that occurs when one or more of the toe joints become bent or flexed in an abnormal position, resulting in a toe that looks like a hammer. Podiatrists can diagnose and treat hammertoes, which can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes. Here are some of the ways podiatrists can help with hammertoes:

Toe Exercises

They can also recommend exercises and stretches to help strengthen the muscles in the feet and toes and improve flexibility. These exercises can also help prevent the progression of hammertoes.

Padding and Taping

Podiatrists can apply padding or tape to the affected toe to help alleviate pain and reduce pressure on the joint.

Footwear Modifications

Moreover, they can recommend footwear modifications, such as wearing shoes with a wider toe box or avoiding high heels, to reduce pressure on the affected toe and improve overall foot function.

Diabetes 

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. In people with diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it does produce. This leads to high levels of glucose in the blood, which can cause a range of health problems.

Podiatrists are essential in helping people with diabetes manage their foot health. They can perform regular foot exams to check for signs of neuropathy or other complications, such as poor circulation or foot deformities. They can also help patients manage foot problems, such as foot ulcers or infections.

Warts

Warts are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Plantar warts are warts that occur on the sole of the foot. They can be painful, particularly when walking or standing, and can also be unsightly. Podiatrists are well-equipped to diagnose and treat plantar warts and can help patients manage the symptoms associated with this condition.

Treatment for plantar warts typically depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may respond to over-the-counter treatments, such as salicylic acid or freezing treatments. However, more severe cases may require more aggressive treatment, such as surgical removal or laser therapy.

Podiatrists can also provide advice on how to prevent the spread of warts, which can be contagious. For example, they may recommend avoiding walking barefoot in public areas, wearing socks and shoes that allow the feet to breathe, and using antifungal sprays or powders to keep the feet dry and healthy.

In addition to treating plantar warts, they can also help patients manage other foot conditions that may be related to warts, such as calluses or corns. They can provide guidance on proper foot hygiene, footwear selection, and other strategies for maintaining healthy feet.

Neuromas

A neuroma is a condition that occurs when a nerve in the foot becomes irritated or compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected area. Neuromas can occur in various parts of the foot, but the most common location is the ball of the foot, between the third and fourth toes.

Treatment for a neuroma depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, conservative treatments such as rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. Custom orthotics or shoe inserts may also be recommended to help relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

In more severe cases, more aggressive treatments may be necessary. These may include steroid injections to reduce inflammation, or surgical removal of the neuroma. Podiatrists can provide guidance on which treatment option is best suited to a patient's individual needs.

What to Expect from a Podiatrist? 

If you are considering visiting a podiatrist, here are some things you can foresee during your appointment:

Medical History

Your podiatrist will likely start by taking your medical history, including any past surgeries or injuries, current medications, and any pre-existing health conditions that may affect your foot health.

Physical Examination

They will then physically analyze your feet, checking for any signs of pain, swelling, or abnormalities. They may also evaluate your gait, balance, and range of motion.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on your symptoms, your podiatrist may order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound scans or MRIs, to help identify the underlying cause of your foot problems.

Treatment Plan

Based on your examination results and any diagnostic tests, your podiatrist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include medications, orthotics, physical therapy, or surgery.

Follow-Up Appointments

If you require ongoing treatment, your podiatrist may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Prevention Strategies

In addition to treating existing foot problems, your podiatrist may also provide advice on strategies for preventing future foot problems. This may include recommendations for proper footwear, exercises to improve foot health, and strategies for maintaining good foot hygiene.

Overall, they can provide expert care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Whether you have an existing foot problem or want to take steps to prevent future issues, a podiatrist can help you maintain healthy feet and improve your overall quality of life.

Don't suffer in silence if you are undergoing foot or ankle pain. A podiatrist can help you identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan to alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life. Contact Rocky Vista Health Center to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists and take the first step towards healthier, happier feet.