Doctors of podiatric medicine, known as DPMs, treat foot
and ankle problems. Most podiatrists treat all forms of foot and ankle
problems, but some may take special interest in certain areas. They can focus
on sports injuries, orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, etc. No matter which
podiatrist you see, or what type of foot/ankle problem you are having, it is
important to provide him with a complete medical history and an accurate
account of any problems you are experiencing.
Here are just a few things that a podiatrist can do for
you:
- Play a role in the treatment of serious medical issues such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis and heart disease. These types of problems can have a big effect on the feet.
- Diagnose or prevent foot problems. Aside from a physical exam, your podiatrist may order imaging test or blood tests to get a better picture about what is going on.
- Treat conditions such as corns, calluses, cysts, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, infection, etc.
- Perform surgeries to correct problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and ruptured Achilles tendons.
- Assess your walking patterns and prescribe orthotics (foot inserts) if necessary to correct.
A few of the reasons a podiatrists should be contacted
are:
- If you are experiencing persistent pain in the feet or ankles.
- If you notice changes in the nails or skin of the feet.
- Cracking, scaling or peeling on the foot.
- If you are experiencing signs of infection such as swelling, pain, redness, tenderness, heat and/or pus.
Image by Ms Footlover. Female Feet. (2007). Flickr.
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