Podiatry relates to the study and treatment of the foot, making Podiatrists foot doctors. They may also be called a chiropodist, which is an older name for doctors of podiatric medicine.
These doctors are a kind of physician and surgeon, trained to treat the foot, ankle, and connecting parts of the leg.
What training does a Podiatrist have?
While a Podiatrist is not medically trained and not an official doctor, they train extensively through postgraduate degrees and specialisms, including applying to register with the Podiatry Board of Australia before they can practice.
They have studied how the bones, nerves, and muscles in your foot work together and how illnesses or injuries can affect the feet. This includes extensive study in diagnoses, treatment, and surgery.
What conditions does a Podiatrist deal with?
Podiatrists will see people of any age and treat a wide range of foot conditions, similar to a family doctor. Some Podiatrists may specialise in certain fields of foot medicine including surgery, diabetes, paediatrics, wound care, and sports medicine.
The most common conditions a Podiatrist deals with includes:
• blisters
• bunions and calluses
• flat feet
• warts and corns
• foot and nail infections
• heel pain and spurs
• hammer toes
• ingrown toenails
• smelly feet
• foot injuries and sprains
• ligament or muscle pain in the foot
• arthritis
• neuromas
Why should you see a Podiatrist?
The foot is one of the most complex mechanisms in the body and people able to walk rely on their feet on a daily basis. It’s vital to ensure that you take care of your feet to ensure that more complicated and serious conditions do not arise later.
Foot pain and injuries can limit your movement or cause you discomfort throughout your daily life. A Podiatrist is an expert in conditions of the foot and can diagnose even obscure conditions which may be affecting you and prescribe the appropriate treatment to get you back to health.
For more information or to book an appointment with a Perth Podiatrist today, get in touch with Melville Wellness Centre.
