The feet are one of the most used parts of the body; as we use them to walk, run, drive a car, dance, play sports and perform many other tasks that we may not even be aware of. With this surplus of abilities, there is no reason that you should not give your feet the same level of medical attention you give your other body systems. Doctors who specialize in podiatry are dedicated to studying and treating conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. There are many divisions in podiatry that give patients the specialized attention they need to their feet.
Podiatric Surgery
If you injure your foot, or have a foot deformity, you need to seek out the help of a podiatric surgeon. This specialty field helps individuals regain the functionality of their foot and the surrounding area. Most of the time, if you complain about problems with your joints, ligaments, and congenital foot deformities, your primary care may recommend an assessment by a podiatrist to see if surgical correction is an option. A few podiatric surgeons prefer to use minimally invasive techniques, whereas other surgeons correct the alignment of the foot with a full reconstruction.
Podiatric Sports Medicine
Sports podiatry is a sub-specialty of podiatry, which requires the specialist to be an expert in the foot and lower-limb problems of athletes. Many sports podiatry treatments involve joint mobilization, advanced biomechanical assessments, injection therapy such as corticosteroids, soft-tissue manipulation, and trigger point therapy. These specialists are well-educated in the needs of professional and amateur athletes, educating them in strength training and conditioning exercises that can help prevent foot injuries during their activities. Most of sports medicine focuses on foot and lower limb overuse injuries.
Podo-pediatrics
Podo-Pediatrics focuses on the ailments that children face with their feet and lower extremities. This field is so important, since children’s bones grow and develop at a certain pace, and are not yet fully formed like an adult’s body. The right care during childhood can help prevent biomechanical problems as the child grows, so if you notice problems with their walking or standing, you should make sure your child receives timely podo-pediatric care.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you experience any kind of foot or lower extremity pain, that is enough of a reason to visit the podiatrist. Common ailments that require podiatric care include corns and calluses, ingrown or fungal toenails, heel pain, numbness, swelling, bunions, and other conditions. Notify your doctor if you have noticed changes in the shape of your foot, as this gives the specialist the information he needs to properly treat you.
