Podiatry is a medical practice revolving around the foot, ankle and lower extremities of the human body. This includes diagnosis studies as well as medical treatments and surgical procedures. Podiatrists are trained in many different fields, such as general medicine, physiology, sociological and psychological perspectives and pharmacology.
Podiatrists are qualified to treat foot and ankle diseases, able to treat many different types of foot care. Today, podiatrists do all of the following:
Surgery (surgical treatment of any conditions that affects the foot, ankle, etc. There are some podiatrists that can perform surgery that’s a lot less invasive, while others can perform a full reconstruction.)
Set fractures
Treat sports-related injuries
Prescribe medication
Take X-rays
Perform medical and physical exams
Prescribe custom-made shoes, as well as insoles
Sports medicine (This is a sub-specialty involving foot and lower limb problem diagnosis, as well as treatments like injection therapy and joint health) Sports medicine covers foot and lower limb injuries due to overuse and any mechanical performance enhancements that helps minimize injury.
When you should see a Podiatrist:
If you’re experiencing any of the below symptoms, it’s always wise to make an appointment with your local podiatrist. As with any medical issue, seeking attention at the start of the issue is always a wise choice.
1. Moderate or severe heel pain: Any kind of pain in this area should be given attention to by a podiatrist. This is an area that needs to be looked at and will probably be x-rayed when making your visit. This will rule out any possibility of injuries such as gout crystals and bone spurs.
2. Open sores: If the sore isn’t healing, you need to see a podiatrist. They can determine if it’s something that needs antibiotics to be treated.
3. Discomfort in toes and toenails: With toes, you may need arch supports or insoles that will help eradicate any pain you’re experiencing. With toenails, it’s a matter of making sure they’re trimmed or else they’ll get ingrown. This is for when people can’t reach their toenails or aren’t successful in properly trimming them.
4. Difficulty walking: These are very painful incidents, causing joint pain. This can sometimes be the result of gout.
5. Abnormal swelling: Any time you feel abnormal swelling in your foot or ankle, it can possibly be the result of an infection. Antibiotics will be required for treatment.
Always keep in mind that when any kind of pain in the area of the foot or ankle occurs, no matter how little, should always be seen by the best austin podiatrist. You won’t know what’s wrong until you get a professional exam. It’s important to take medical issues seriously and with a body part that you use to walk, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Get checked out and make sure you’re healthy.
