Podiatrists are medical professionals specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to:
- feet
- ankles
- lower extremities
Also known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM), podiatrist perth is trained to handle a wide range of foot and ankle issues, including:
- injuries
- deformities
- infections
- chronic conditions
What does a podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists undergo extensive education and training, which typically includes completing a bachelor’s degree followed by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited podiatric medical school. After obtaining their DPM degree, they may undergo further specialized training through residencies or fellowships in areas such as foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine, diabetic foot care, and wound management.
Some common conditions that podiatrists treat include:
- Foot and ankle injuries. Podiatrists diagnose and treat fractures, sprains, strains, and other injuries to the feet and ankles.
- Foot deformities. They address conditions like bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, and high arches, often using orthotics, footwear recommendations, and surgical interventions.
- Diabetic foot care. Podiatrists play a crucial role in managing foot complications associated with diabetes, as diabetes can lead to neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation which increase the risk of ulcers and infections.
- Nail and skin conditions. They treat issues like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, warts, and skin disorders affecting the feet.
- Sports-Related injuries. Podiatrists work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related foot and ankle injuries.
- Foot pain and arthritis. They help patients manage various forms of foot pain, including conditions like plantar fasciitis, as well as arthritis affecting the feet and ankles.
- Podiatrists may perform surgical procedures to correct deformities, remove tumors, repair fractures, and address other structural issues.
- They prescribe and customize orthotic devices (shoe inserts) to help with alignment and support for various foot conditions.
When you need a podiatrist
You may need to see a podiatrist if you experience any of the following issues related to your feet, ankles, or lower extremities:
- Foot pain
- Heel pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Sports injuries
- Skin and nail issues
- Diabetic foot care
- Arthritis
- Chronic conditions
- Deformities and abnormalities
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Wounds and ulcers
- Joint and tendon problems
- Pediatric foot issues
If you are experiencing any discomfort, pain, or issues with your feet or ankles that are impacting your daily activities or quality of life, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist. They have specialized training to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, and they can provide personalized recommendations and treatment plans based on your specific needs.
Overall, podiatrists play a vital role in maintaining foot health and mobility for people of all ages, helping them to prevent and manage foot-related problems that can impact their overall quality of life. If you have concerns about your feet or ankles, consulting a podiatrist can provide expert guidance and care.
