What does a podiatrist or chiropodist do?
A podiatrist or chiropodist is a medical specialist who helps with problems that affect your feet or lower legs. They can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. They have been trained to assess, diagnose, and treat conditions related to the feet, ankle, lower limbs, and other associated structures.
Injury, overuse, or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments, or tendons in the foot, can cause foot pain. Misalignment in the foot can cause pain and affect how you walk or run. Your body counteracts this misalignment, and this can end up putting a strain on certain parts of the foot, the ankles, calves, knees, hips, and even the lower back.
If you are experiencing pain in any part of your foot, podiatry services can help diagnose the root cause of the problem and recommend a treatment plan that will alleviate your pain. Certified podiatrists have years of experience treating many foot conditions, are the next logical step for anyone suffering from long- or short-term foot or leg pain.
What type of conditions can a podiatrist or chiropodist treat?
A Podiatrist can treat a range of conditions such as:
- Ingrown toenails
- Toe deformities
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Bunions
- Plantar warts
- Foot and ankle arthritis
- Skin conditions affecting your feet and toenails
- Diabetic foot problems
- Tendinopathy
- Fractures of the foot and ankle
- Swelling of the lower extremity
- Leg wounds
- Foot and toe ulcers
- Plantar fasciitis
- Runner’s knee
- Shin splints
- Flat feet (Overpronation)
- High arches (Supernation)
- Metatarsalgia (Pain in the ball of your foot)
A podiatrist can be an important part of your care team if you have diabetes. A podiatrist will check your feet for signs of diabetes-related foot conditions. Signs of diabetes-related neuropathy are likely to show up on your feet first. A podiatrist can do the following to check for any signs:
1. Ask about any symptoms you’re experiencing and how you’re managing your blood glucose.
2. Examine your toes, feet, and legs.
3. Touch your toes, feet, and legs with different tools to check for numbness and if you’ve lost any feeling.
If they find a diabetes-related ulcer or blister, a podiatrist will:
1. Examine it for any signs of infection, such as discolouration, swelling, warmth, or discharge.
2. Order tests to take pictures deeper than your skin, like X-rays.
3. Take a sample of the skin or discharge to test for infection.
When should I see a podiatrist chiropodist?
The most common symptom of when you should see a podiatrist is experiencing pain. Other symptoms include discolouration or redness, swelling, a feeling of heat or warmth, and new growths or bumps on or under your skin in your feet.
It is important not to self-diagnose or start over-the-counter treatments without seeing a healthcare provider as this might worsen minor issues. A podiatrist will assess your condition and source of pain, as well as the best type of treatment that will help alleviate your pain in the long term.
For some cases, foot pain and issues can also be treated by a physiotherapist using a variety of treatments, including specific movements and shockwave therapy.
Let the specialists at True Physio relieve your foot pain today
We understand that foot pain can be difficult. At your initial assessment at one of our clinics, our experts will spend time to find out the cause of your pain and your goals before working out how we can work with you to achieve them. We will also do a detailed assessment and explain to you the nature of the problem you have, before developing a treatment plan that incorporates the latest clinical evidence alongside your requirements.
With 9 clinics around the UK and decades of experience, we deliver treatments that help you achieve long-term pain relief and feel empowered to get back into doing the things you enjoy. Book an appointment today to kickstart your pain-free journey.