Who is a podiatrist?
Also known as podiatric surgeons or physicians, podiatrists are the Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating lower extremity conditions, i.e., diseases related to the foot, ankle, and other parts of the leg. They also treat and manage foot conditions associated with long-term conditions like diabetes and perform complex surgeries, depending on their level of training.
Podiatrists also customize corrective plaster casts, orthotics, and strappings to treat deformities and create flexible casting to help immobilize foot and ankle fractures, sprains, strains, and other injuries. They also help post-injury recovery by providing rehabilitation techniques, correcting their postures and improving balance to promote the ability to move efficiently.
Podiatrists typically practice in groups or independently, with health maintenance organizations (HMOs), hospitals, preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and municipal health departments. They also work closely with other specialists and may refer you to them if they find foot-related problems related to diabetes, kidney disease, or heart conditions.
What kind of education and training does a podiatrist receive?
A podiatrist is not a medical doctor but is considered a physician by the federal government. To become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, one needs to complete four years of podiatric medical school and then undergo two years of residency training.
During residency, podiatrists gain experience in various medical areas such as anesthesiology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Podiatric surgeons, specializing in foot and ankle surgeries, are a subset of podiatrists. All podiatrists are certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Some podiatrists may choose to focus on specific areas like sports medicine, radiology, geriatrics, dermatology, or diabetic care.
Some common foot problems and symptoms
Any issue with the feet can cause discomfort, even with simple movements. Here are some common foot problems and how they occur:
- Bunions: Bunions are one of the most common foot problems. They occur due to a significant toe misalignment, which can cause pain and difficulty walking. Bunions can make it tough to find shoes that fit correctly. Treatment options for bunions include splinting, icing, and surgery.
- Corns and calluses: Corns and calluses are hardened, thickened skin that forms on the feet. Corns are small, round bumps that usually form on the surface or sides of the toes. Calluses are more prominent flat areas of thickened skin that typically include the soles of the feet. Both corns and calluses can be painful and may make it tough to walk or wear shoes.
There are many ways to treat corns and calluses, including over-the-counter creams, pads, and home remedies such as soaking the feet in warm water and trimming the affected area. A podiatrist may help remove a corn or callus in some cases.
- Achilles tendonitis: This condition can cause pain as well as inflammation in the Achilles tendon - the large tendon that runs from the calf muscle's back to your heel bone. Achilles tendonitis occurs due to overuse or repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon. It generally happens from running or playing sports or due to an injury or condition that puts extra strain on the tendon, such as arthritis.
- Gout: It is a form of arthritis that causes pain, joint stiffness, and swelling. It most commonly affects the big toe but might occur in the knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists. Gout can be excruciating and debilitating.
What conditions does a podiatrist treat?
Here are some common conditions that a podiatrist treats:
- Arthritis: Arthritis is the inflammation, swelling, or tenderness of the cartilage and lining of joints. Arthritis has multiple causes, which include genetic or hereditary factors, injuries, bacterial and viral infections in the joints, and autoimmune diseases.
- Arthritis has several types: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. The feet are most susceptible to arthritic pain since they contain 33 joints that bear the whole body's weight. Arthritis can also affect the structure and function of the feet.
- Diabetes: Diabetes happens when the body cannot produce or utilize the required insulin. It leads to the body's inability to convert sugars and starches into energy. High blood sugar can harm the nerves in the feet and lead to diabetic neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation. Damaged blood vessels in the feet can cause an infection in your feet to turn into gangrene, which may require amputation. Podiatrists help to manage and avoid all foot complications associated with diabetes.
- Ankle and foot injuries: Ankle and foot injuries are common injuries like fractures, sprains, and strains caused by accidents or playing sports. If you experience pain, swelling, bruising, or walking difficulties, visit a podiatrist. They help determine the extent of the injury. They can create a plan to help you recover from injuries and restore your feet and ankles to their original mobility.
- Neuromas: Neuromas are nerve tumors generally found between the third and fourth toes. It is a painful condition that causes sensations like burning, tingling, and numbness. Morton's neuroma is a common neuroma found in the feet wherein a nerve in the foot may thicken due to compression and irritation. Visit a podiatrist if you feel pain in the ball of the foot or swelling between the toes.
When should you visit a podiatrist?
If you find yourself suffering from the following symptoms, you may schedule an appointment with a podiatrist or physician as soon as possible:
- Moderate or severe foot pain
- Discolored toenails
- Cracks or cuts on the foot
- Abnormal growths (for example, warts)
- Swelling, numbness, or tingling sensations
- Redness or tenderness
- Scaling or peeling on toes
- Joint pain
How should one prepare for a visit to a podiatrist?
Once you finalize the best podiatrist near you, it is time to prepare for the visit. To make the visit productive, create a list of your symptoms and questions. Also, note down the medications you are taking and note any past surgeries.
For a comprehensive medical history, gather records and test reports from other healthcare providers. It includes X-rays, MRIs, and relevant lab results. Check with your insurance to see if a referral is needed.
If you have special needs, call the office beforehand to ensure that any necessary arrangements or accommodations are in place to meet your needs. Having emotional support during a medical appointment can be beneficial, especially if you are discussing concerns or receiving important information. A family member can provide comfort and help remember details that might be discussed during the appointment.
If your concern involves walking or exercise, bring your shoes to the appointment for a more accurate assessment. These steps will contribute to a smoother and more effective visit, ensuring your podiatrist has all the necessary information to provide the best care.
What should one expect during the first visit to a podiatrist?
During your first visit to a podiatrist, it is similar to a regular doctor's appointment. The podiatrist will review your medical history, discuss your current medications, and ask about any past surgeries. They will also conduct a thorough examination to assess your posture, gait, joint mobility, and the suitability of your footwear.
The primary focus of the first visit often includes addressing issues such as bunions, ingrown toenails, heel, and lower back pain, circulation concerns related to diabetes, and various foot deformities. Depending on the diagnosis, the podiatrist may recommend interventions such as orthotics, padding, or physical therapy to alleviate your specific concerns. The podiatrist can address some conditions directly in the office.
In-office treatments may involve the use of specialized tools, such as syringes for administering pain medication, nail splitters or a nail anvil to address ingrown toenails, and scalpels to manage skin issues around toenails or to remove parts of corns and calluses. For conditions like plantar warts, the podiatrist may use cryotherapy equipment employing liquid nitrogen to freeze them off.
How to find the best podiatrists near you in Las Vegas
Foot injuries and disorders can hinder daily life activities and restrict mobility and freedom of movement, essential for maintaining overall health. Therefore, it is necessary to implement individual foot hygiene practices at home, such as examining your feet now and then, keeping them clean and dry, and wearing the correct footwear. Besides these practices, it is also essential to get routine foot checkups to prevent long-term mobility issues and injuries and detect diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart problems.
Finding a certified and trustworthy healthcare provider can be quite a challenging task. However, platforms like Zocdoc make it super easy for users to find the right specialists from the comfort of their homes. Suppose you reside in Las Vegas, Nevada. In that case, you can now easily book an online consultation or in-person appointment by visiting the Zocdoc website and entering your condition, location, insurance carrier, and plan.
Your search results should display a list of top-rated podiatrists in your area, which you can select based on their education, certifications, clinic location, and training. You can also find verified reviews and ratings by past patients to help you make an informed decision.
Zocdoc also allows users to book appointments on the same day, 24 hours in advance, on the weekends, or after 5 pm, depending on the chosen provider's availability. You can also find out if your provider accepts your insurance plan by selecting the same from the menu at the top of the page. Booking appointments with the best podiatrists near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and completely free!
Statistics on podiatrists and foot-related disorders in Las Vegas, Nevada
Nevada employed over 40 podiatrists in May 2021, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This number is relatively low compared to states such as New York, Florida, and California, which have the most significant number of podiatrists.
Data collated by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020 shows that an estimated 22.7% of all adults aged 18 and above residing in Nevada have arthritis. The cases reported were higher in females (24.6%) than in males (20.7%).
A large number of arthritis cases consisted of heart disease patients (35.8%), obese individuals (29.1%), and diabetic patients (29.4%). Nearly 31.2% of adults with arthritis suffer from severe joint pain, and almost 26.5% are physically inactive. BRFSS data recorded in 2013 showed that health professionals told 20.9% of Nevadans that they had some form of arthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia.
Sources
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
WebMD
Healthline
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medline
Medical News Today
