Foot health affects your overall mobility, and taking care of your feet requires the right medical attention. A podiatrist treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Knowing the different services a podiatrist provides can help you choose the one that fits your medical needs. Here is more information about what podiatrists do:
Understand Podiatry and Foot Care
A podiatrist completes years of specialized medical training, so they can treat various lower extremity issues. These doctors treat bone disorders, soft tissue injuries, and skin conditions of the feet. When you experience chronic foot pain, you may benefit from seeing a medical expert. They evaluate your walking patterns, and they prescribe proper treatments, such as custom orthotics.
Podiatrists also perform surgical procedures. Because foot anatomy can be complex, a specialist handles severe corrections. They order X-rays, they prescribe medications, and they can perform stronger procedures to remove warts and ingrown toenails.
Treat Warts and Ingrown Nails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, and it causes pain and sometimes swelling. When you have an ingrown toenail, a podiatrist lifts or removes the nail border. They numb the toe first, and they carefully extract the sharp nail piece.
Treating warts requires a different approach. Plantar warts are hard growths on the soles of the feet, which result from a viral infection. A podiatrist can apply topical peeling medications, or they sometimes use microwave energy to destroy the wart tissue.
Address Bunions and Hammer Toes
A bunion is a painful bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe, while a hammer toe is an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe. These deformities cause severe discomfort, and they make wearing shoes very painful. If you develop a bunion, a podiatrist can provide padding. They also prescribe custom orthotics or recommend appropriate footwear changes.
For severe bunions and hammer toes, doctors perform corrective surgery. The surgeon realigns the bone, and they repair the surrounding soft tissues. When conservative treatments do not achieve the desired result, surgery may bring lasting relief.
Manage Diabetes and Foot Health
Diabetic foot care involves regular inspections and treatments to prevent severe complications. Diabetes reduces blood flow to the feet, and it causes nerve damage. A podiatrist checks your feet for cuts, and they test your nerve sensation. If a diabetic patient develops a foot ulcer, the doctor cleans the wound carefully.
Podiatrists provide the following diabetic services:
- Regular nerve and circulation assessments
- Wound care for non-healing ulcers
- Nail trimming to prevent infections
Because infections sometimes spread quickly in diabetic patients, immediate treatment may prevent limb amputations. Podiatrists monitor your healing progress, and they coordinate care with your primary physician.
Find a Podiatrist Near You
Taking care of your lower extremities requires professional help. You can choose the right doctor when you understand their medical capabilities. A podiatrist treats warts and corrects bunions, and they manage diabetic foot complications. These specialists keep you walking comfortably. If you want to learn more about foot health, consult a podiatrist near you.
