PODIATRY SERVICES
KEEPING YOUR FEET HAPPY AND HEALTHY: A GUIDE TO PODIATRY SERVICES
our feet are the foundation that carries you throughout your life. But often, we neglect them until pain strikes. Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the health of the footand ankle. Podiatrists are trained medical professionals who diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.
Podiatry Services for Common Foot and Ankle Problems
Podiatrists offer a variety of services to address a multitude of foot and ankle concerns. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues they can help with:
- Arthritis: Podiatrists can help manage foot and ankle arthritis through various methods, including orthotics, medication, injections, and physical therapy.
- Heel Pain: Heel pain can have various causes. Podiatrists can diagnose the source of your pain and recommend treatments like orthotics, physical therapy, medication, or even minimally invasive surgery.
- Fractures: Podiatrists are qualified to treat fractures of the foot and ankle, setting broken bones and promoting proper healing.
- Flatfoot/High Arch: Flat feet and high arches are structural differences in the arch of the foot. Podiatrists can evaluate your foot type and recommend treatment options like orthotics, supportive footwear, or physical therapy exercises to address pain or discomfort caused by these conditions and if need surgical intervention.
Conclusion
Podiatrists are valuable healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in maintaining foot and ankle health. If you’re experiencing any foot pain, discomfort, or mobility issues, consulting a podiatrist can help diagnose the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to get you back on your feet.
Sources
- https://www.apma.org/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/orthopaedics- rheumatology/depts/foot-ankle-center
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/services-and- treatments/podiatry
Podiatry Services for Common Foot and Ankle Problems
In some cases, podiatrists may recommend surgery to address complex foot and ankle problems. Here are surgical procedures podiatrist can perform:
- Bunion Correction: Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. Podiatrists can surgically realign the joint to correct bunions and alleviate pain.
- Hammertoe Repair: Hammertoes are toes that bend abnormally. Podiatrists can surgically straighten the affected toe to improve comfort and function.
Additional Specialties Within Podiatry
Podiatry encompasses various subspecialties to address specific foot and ankle concerns:
- Sports Injuries: Podiatrists specializing in sports medicine can treat foot and ankle injuries common among athletes and help prevent future ones.
- Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems within the foot and ankle.
- Fracture and Trauma Surgery of the Lower Extremity: Podiatrists with this specialization can manage complex fractures and traumatic injuries of the foot and ankle.
- Ligament/Tendon Repair: Ligament and tendon tears can cause significant pain and instability. Podiatrists can surgically repair these structures to restore function.
- Total Ankle Replacement: In cases of severe ankle arthritis, podiatrists can perform total ankle replacement surgery to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Complex Deformity Correction: Podiatrists can correct complex foot deformities that affect function and appearance through specialized surgical techniques.
- Cartilage Restoration and Minimally Invasive Surgery: Podiatrists utilize various techniques to restore damaged cartilage in the foot and ankle and perform minimally invasive surgeries whenever possible to promote faster healing and recovery.
