What is a Podiatrist and What does Podiatrist Will Do?

A podiatrist also called the doctor of podiatric Medicine (DPM) is trained to treat problems that affect the ankle, foot and the leg below. They can aid your limb to function as it should, ease the pain and speed up healing following an operation or injury.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists address issues with patients’ feet or lower leg. They are able to fix fractures, prescribe medications for patients, suggest exercises as well as perform surgery if required. They may also aid other Podiatrists in the treatment of health problems.

Podiatrists can also:

• Diagnose foot problems such as nails and skin diseases or congenital (at-birth) malformations as well as tumors and ulcers
• Address conditions such as corns or arch issues, heel spurs shortening bones, tendons and cysts
• Use flexible casts to keep ankle and foot injuries such as fractures, sprains, or strains.
• Discuss with patients preventive foot health
• Direct patients to other specialists when they suspect that symptoms of foot pain may be related to various disorders in different body systems

Podiatrists may choose to apply their expertise in a particular area of medicine, for instance:

Sports medicine. Podiatrists in Perth that specialize in the field of sports medicine can help those who are injured while in sports or in other sports activities.

Pediatrics. Certain podiatrists specialize in children and adolescents. If your child complains of discomfort in their feet or legs or legs, their primary physician might suggest taking the child to see a pediatric podiatrist. The most frequent issues addressed by pediatric podiatrists are:

• Toenails that are ingrown
• Warts on the plantar (lumps of skin at the foot’s bottom)
• Tineaa pedis ( athlete’s foot )
• Toes that cross over (one toe that is threatening to cross into the toe that is the largest)
• Bunions in Perth
• Flat feet
• Intoed gait (turned-in toes)
• Injuries to the growth plate in the foot and ankle

Radiology. Podiatric Radiologists are experts in the use of the use of imaging equipment and tests that aid in diagnosing diseases, injuries and ailments that affect the lower extremities. They utilize methods like:

• X-rays
• Ultrasounds
• CT scans
• MRI tests
• Nuclear medicine

Pediatric podiatric radiologists interpret results of imaging tests to determine your medical condition.

Diabetic foot treatment. Diabetes can cause harm to different areas within your body such as your feet. In the most severe instances the doctor might have to remove (amputate) the toes of your feet, different parts of your feet, or even your whole lower leg. However, podiatrists can assist people with diabetes maintain their feet in good condition and help prevent the damage.

 Education and Training

The podiatrist’s training doesn’t consist of the conventional medical college. They usually participate in an academic program that lasts for four years at a podiatric medical college. Following graduation, they complete an residency that is in line with the specifications of their respective state. It provides experiences in a variety of specialties of medicine. Doctors who have completed podiatric medical school must be able to complete a podiatric medical as well as a surgery residency (PMSR). Podiatrists have to complete an minimum of two years of residency in order to be board certified.

To be licensed podiatrists must complete any of nine recognized (approved) podiatric colleges and colleges , and then be able to pass the National Board Examinations. Podiatrists may also opt to obtain certification in special areas such as orthopedics, primary care or surgery.

Reasons to See a Podiatrist

Our feet function as shock absorbers for the activities we engage in every day. It’s a good idea to consult the podiatrist should you feel any discomfort or pain in or around your ankles and feet.

Podiatrists usually deal with patients from all ages and backgrounds. They frequently see patients with ailments such as:

• Bunions (bump or bulge in the big toe joint)
• Hammertoes (middle joint of the toe remains in one place)
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Infections

You may also consult the podiatrist when you plan to intensify your physical exercise. They’ll be able to check that your feet and legs can cope with the added stress.

A podiatrist might be able to address issues by:

• Cryotherapy (freezing the affected area)
• Steroid injections
• Surgery