Who are podiatrists?
Podiatrists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating issues affecting the foot, ankle, and lower legs. They are officially called Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) and are commonly called podiatric surgeons or physicians.
The lower limb area of the body is also called the lower extremity. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified with specialized surgical and medical training and board certification to care for the lower extremity region. They employ laboratory tests and X-rays to diagnose accurately, advise physical therapy, prescribe medications, perform surgery, and treat fractures. Podiatrists closely work with other health professionals to control and treat diseases.
Podiatry has its medical schools, commonly called podiatric medical schools, and its professional associations differ from traditional medical schools and associations in the United States. Podiatrists can choose to specialize in different areas within podiatry, such as public health, orthopedics, or surgery. A podiatric physician can also practice a subspecialty like pediatrics, sports medicine, radiology, dermatology, diabetic foot care, or geriatrics.
Common foot conditions treated by podiatrists
Some common foot problems that podiatrists treat include the following:
- Nail disorders: They occur due to fungus infection or ingrown toenails (when a side or corner of the toenail grows inside the toe instead of outwards).
- Bunions: Misaligned joints in the big toe can lead to tenderness and swelling. As a result, the first joint bends outwards, and the second joint angles towards the other toes. The condition could be hereditary, but it gets aggravated by wearing narrow shoes.
- Arthritis: Each foot has about 33 joints. Arthritis occurs due to excessive wear and tear in these joints and presents as swelling and inflammation. If other treatment methods fail to show positive outcomes, surgery may be required.
- Hammertoe: This is a condition caused by muscle imbalance. As a result, the toe bends into a claw-like position. The disease mainly affects the second toe or the smaller toe due to the inward bending of the big toe.
- Morton's neuroma: It is a nerve condition that occurs between the third and fourth toes of the feet. It can cause inflammation and pain. The disease generally affects athletes who are runners. Tight, uncomfortable shoes may further aggravate the situation.
- Stress fractures: Overusing a specific bone may cause incomplete cracks or stress fractures. Complete rest may help quickly heal this condition. Shoes with extra padding provide cushion to the bones and prevent such occurrences. If left untreated, stress fractures can progress to complete fractures, requiring casting and immobilization.
- Diabetes: This condition occurs when the body makes insufficient insulin to break down and digest the sugar molecules in the ingested food. It can damage the muscles and nerves in the legs and feet, leading to diabetic foot disorders.
When do you need to see a podiatrist near you?
An acute injury in the lower extremity may result in swelling and sudden pain. If the foot pain lasts over a week, you should see a podiatrist. Another common condition that prompts people to consult them is calluses. Podiatrists treat them by carefully shaving away the dead and thickened skin using a blade.
If you have arthritis or gout, your feet and toes could also hurt. A podiatrist can help reduce the symptoms. You can also visit them if you have damaged foot ligaments or flat feet since you might need to wear orthotics. By obtaining molds of your feet, podiatrists can make custom foot support braces for you.
Diabetes can cause your legs or feet to tingle or hurt. Seeing a podiatrist can be beneficial, as they help mitigate the risk of severe complications like amputation. Additionally, you can visit them if you have foot ulcers, tumors, congenital (present at birth) deformities, or skin and nail issues.
What are the standard diagnostic procedures performed by podiatrists?
Treatment, management, or prevention of issues with the feet, ankles, and lower limbs depend on accurate and timely diagnosis. The foot doctor near you can employ various techniques and tools to identify your issues correctly. The following are the commonly known diagnostic procedures that podiatrists frequently perform:
- Arthrography: It is an imaging procedure that uses a contrast iodine solution as a dye. The injected dye helps identify the cause of ligament, cartilage, or tendon pain.
- Joint aspiration: This procedure enables podiatrists to identify inflammatory diseases like gout or infections. They draw fluid from the joints for this procedure.
- Computed tomography (CT): These scans help podiatrists examine growth or injury in the lower extremities from different angles. They are painless and noninvasive, allowing for more insightful analysis.
- Bone scans: These include scans like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which detects brittle or weak bones. Other bone scans can detect fractures or areas where bone development is particularly active.
- Doppler ultrasound: This device uses high-frequency sound waves to help podiatrists locate blood vessel obstruction in the legs.
- Electromyography (EMG): It examines and records electrical muscle activity in the legs. This procedure aids in searching for indications of nerve or muscle disorders.
What are the differences and similarities between a podiatrist and an orthopedist?
If you are experiencing pain in your feet or ankles or have recently sustained an injury, you may wonder which type of doctor to consult. You can choose between a podiatrist or an orthopedist for treatment. Both can tend to your issues, but understanding the key differences between the two practitioners may help you determine the best fit.
As explained above, a podiatrist specializes in ankle and foot issues. Their focused training enables them to analyze foot biomechanics, including mechanical abnormalities that affect balance. They can also prescribe orthotics, braces, and corrective footwear as needed.
On the other hand, orthopedic surgeons, or orthopedists, are medical professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal problems. They are Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, commonly called MDs or DOs. Some orthopedists perform general orthopedics for the entire body, while others can specialize in specific areas, such as the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knee, foot, and ankle.
Both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons can identify and treat foot and ankle problems and injuries. They may use conservative, minimally invasive, and surgical treatment options. Choosing the best type of physician for you may be based on personal preferences.
For example, suppose you have multiple orthopedic issues, such as knee or hip arthritis, a herniated disc, or a rotator cuff ailment. In that case, you may want to seek foot and ankle therapy from an orthopedic doctor who can treat all of them. Alternatively, you can consult a podiatrist if you need an expert physician to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions and injuries.
Five tips for finding the right podiatrist for your needs
Many people struggle with foot problems, ranging from bunions and hammertoes to general foot pain. Unfortunately, many endure these issues without realizing that a podiatrist can provide effective treatment. Whether you're dealing with an acute or chronic problem, they offer the expertise to help you recover and avoid further complications.
Here are five tips to help you find the right podiatrist near you:
- Get recommendations: Ask friends, family, or your primary care doctor for suggestions. Your insurance provider can also provide a list of in-network podiatrists.
- Use Google: Search online for terms like "podiatrist near you" to find local specialists. Most practices have websites where you can learn about their services and credentials.
- Check reviews: Look up patient reviews for insights into others' experiences. Positive feedback can guide you to podiatrists with excellent reputations.
- Schedule consultations: Meet potential podiatrists in person. Before deciding, this step will help you evaluate their communication style, office environment, and staff professionalism.
- Don't settle: Choose a podiatrist who meets your needs and makes you comfortable. Finding the right fit ensures better care and a quicker recovery.
Finding the best podiatrist near you can significantly improve your foot health and overall well-being.
How do you maintain foot hygiene?
You can prevent many illnesses and foot problems by practicing good hygiene and adequately caring for your feet. Check your feet daily for toenail infections, sores, cuts, and bruises. Make sure to wash them thoroughly in warm water. But avoid soaking them, as it could dry them out. Use petroleum jelly, cream, or lotion to moisturize them daily. Avoid applying moisturizer between your toes to keep the skin in this region dry and bacteria-free.
Use a nail clipper to cut the length of your toenails. Then, use a nail file around the corners of the nail to prevent it from penetrating your skin. Avoid using nail polish to cover up stains. Allow them some breathing room while you address the underlying issue. Do not use do-it-yourself (DIY) surgery options to treat ingrown nails. Leave calluses alone.
Your feet should not hurt because of your shoes. Hence, avoid wearing overly tight shoes. Additionally, wear different shoes daily and avoid exchanging them with others. Do not wear flats or flip-flops; they do not hold up the arch well enough. While sleeping, do not wear socks that are highly restricting or tight.
After a long day or a challenging workout, try the yoga pose "legs up the wall." Make a reflexology appointment or have your feet massaged. If possible, roll a tennis ball under your feet.
The importance of podiatric care for diabetes management
If you have diabetes, including a podiatrist in your care team is crucial for managing foot health. A podiatrist near you can assess your feet for diabetes-related issues, such as sores, infections, or signs of neuropathy, which often manifest in the feet first.
During a visit, the podiatrist will:
- Ask about your symptoms and how you manage your blood sugar levels.
- Examine your toes, feet, and legs for any abnormalities.
- Use tools to check for numbness or loss of sensation.
If they detect an ulcer or blister related to diabetes, they will:
- Assess it for infection indicators like swelling, discoloration, warmth, or discharge.
- Recommend imaging tests, like X-rays, to examine deeper tissues.
- Collect a sample of skin or discharge to test for infection.
How to find the best podiatrist near you in Flower Mound?
Proper foot care will help. If you ignore your feet, your general health may suffer, resulting in more severe issues. Hence, you must get your feet checked by a podiatrist even if they are in good health. However, finding the best podiatrist in Flower Mound could be tricky—unless you use Zocdoc. This platform aims to improve the patient experience by connecting patients with the right specialists in just a few minutes.
Zocdoc matches the patients with the best providers based on their search requirements. You can click the "find" button after entering your condition, preferred location and date, and insurance plan. If you need more clarification about the insurance plan, check Zocdoc's insurance checker. You can also look for providers based on their expertise, availability, gender, visit reasons, hospital affiliation, languages spoken, and whether or not they treat children.
On Zocdoc, each podiatrist near you has a profile with information about their education and training, experience, certifications, professional memberships, and licenses, among other details. The profile also includes updated ratings and reviews that Zocdoc constantly gathers. Looking at these ratings, you can make an informed decision and find the top-rated foot doctor near you.
If your insurance plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card. Zocdoc will scan the image to identify your likely plan. However, this feature is not available for vision or dental insurance. If you encounter any issues uploading your card or have insurance-related concerns, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
You can book both in-person and video appointments on Zocdoc. You can check out the provider's profile for scheduling video appointments, which has a purple-colored video button. All appointments on Zocdoc are easy, safe, and free.
Podiatric health statistics in Flower Mound, Texas
The American Podiatric Medical Association notes that arthritis can impact the structure and movement of the feet. As a result, seeing podiatrists becomes critical. They are also well-versed in diabetes foot complications and understand how minor problems can quickly escalate into major ones. They recognize subtle signs of trouble and treat infections and sores immediately to avoid dangerous complications.
According to America's Health Rankings Annual Report 2021, nearly 21.3% of adults in Texas had some form of arthritis. Out of these, about 17.5% were male, and 24.9% were female. Additionally, approximately 7.1% were aged 18 to 44, 29.6% were between 45 to 64, and nearly 45.8% were 65 and above.
Another 2021 America's Health Rankings report stated that around 11.5% of Texas adults had diabetes; 10.3% of those adults were female, and 12.6% were male. While 25.6% of diabetes patients were over 65, 14.1% were between 45 and 64, and 4.6% were between 18 and 44.
Sources
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
American Podiatric Medical Association[1]
American Podiatric Medical Association[2]
Family Foot and Ankle Clinic, LLC
Medical News Today
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
WebMD[3]
Verywell Fit
Verywell Health[1]
Verywell Health[2]
America's Health Rankings[1]
America's Health Rankings[2]
Advanced Bone & Joint[1]
Advanced Bone & Joint[2]
Cleveland Clinic
