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Who is a podiatrist, and what conditions do they treat?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional, also referred to as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lower extremity, i.e., the feet, ankles, and related leg structures. Unlike most medical professionals, podiatrists do not attend a conventional medical school. They complete their education at a podiatric medical school followed by residency training, providing clinical experience in anesthesiology, pediatrics, surgery, ER, and infectious disease. Podiatrists may also further practice subspecialties such as diabetic foot care, orthopedics, public health, sports medicine, and dermatology.

Here are some common conditions treated by podiatrists:

• Sprains, strains, and fractures- Sprains and strains are tissue injuries that occur when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears a ligament. Most fractures, strains, and sprains occur during intense physical activity such as sports, dancing, gymnastics, etc. They can be treated at home by applying ice, compressing, and elevating the injured part. A podiatrist can help determine the extent of the injury and manage specific types of sprains and fractures.
• Gout- is a prevalent and painful type of inflammatory arthritis. Too much uric acid buildup in the body can cause the joints to swell and cause intense and sudden pain. A gout flare typically happens in the big toes, knees, hands, and feet. People with a family history of gout and health issues like kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are at an increased risk. While gout is not curable, it can be managed by taking medication that lowers uric acid produced in the body and reduces pain and inflammation. 
• Psoriasis- Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition caused by the fast turnover of skin cells. Dry, red, itchy white patches are symptoms of it. Extensive cases of psoriasis can affect multiple parts of the body, including the feet, knees, and hands. A podiatrist may treat mild psoriasis with topical creams and severe cases by prescribing medication. Psoriasis is also often confused with athlete's foot, a fungal disease. Visiting a podiatrist can help determine the exact condition and treatment. 
• Tendinitis- A tendon is a connective tissue that attaches muscle to the bone. Inflammation of the tendons is called tendinitis and can occur due to overuse or injury. Achilles tendinitis is the most common type and is common in middle-aged people. Symptoms of tendinitis include pain in the back of the leg, tenderness, and stiffness even while performing low-effort activities. You should visit a podiatrist when home treatments like rest and applying ice on the injured part do not help.
• Ankle and foot injuries: Injuries to the ankle and foot can occur from accidents, sports, sprains, and strains. You should see a podiatrist if you experience pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty walking. Their goal is to help you recover from injuries and restore your feet and ankles to their original mobility after they have determined the extent of the damage.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a result of the body's inability to either produce the proper amount of insulin or use it effectively. It makes converting sugars and starches into energy difficult. High glucose levels can cause nerve damage to your feet, known as diabetic neuropathy, leading to altered sensations such as numbness, tingling, or lack of sensation. Furthermore, damage to blood vessels in your feet may allow for an infection to develop, leading to gangrene that can require amputation. Podiatrists are essential in managing and preventing diabetes-related foot issues like diabetic neuropathy.
• Arthritis is a medical condition causing inflammation, swelling, and tenderness of the cartilage and lining of joints. Possible causes include genetic or hereditary components, injuries, bacterial and viral infections in the joints, and autoimmune diseases. The varieties of arthritis include rheumatoid (RA), osteoarthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Because the feet have thirty-three joints that support the weight of the entire body, the feet are highly vulnerable to arthritic pain. Furthermore, this problem could also affect the structure and function of feet.

How does a podiatrist treat diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage that happens due to diabetes. It can affect several parts of the body, including the feet. Some of the symptoms of the condition are numbness, tingling pain, and weakness in the legs and feet. Notably, at least 50% of individuals diagnosed with diabetes will develop diabetic neuropathy with time.

Managing diabetic neuropathy is crucial to prevent further complications, and podiatrists play a vital role in providing specialized care for those diagnosed with such diabetes-related foot issues. The treatment procedures they follow are: 

Foot examinations:

Podiatrists perform comprehensive foot examinations to evaluate the degree of nerve damage and detect any potential issues, including ulcers, calluses, or infections. 

Custom orthotics:

Podiatrists may prescribe custom-made orthotic devices to provide support and alleviate pressure on specific areas of the feet. These devices can help reduce friction, redistribute weight, and prevent the development of ulcers or sores.

Footwear recommendations:

Proper footwear is essential for individuals with diabetic neuropathy. Podiatrists can recommend shoes with adequate support, cushioning, and an excellent fit to minimize the risk of foot injuries and ensure optimal comfort.

Wound care:

Diabetic neuropathy can reduce foot sensation, making individuals less aware of injuries or wounds. Podiatrists are trained to detect such wounds, thus preventing infections and complications. The treatment may involve cleaning, dressing, and monitoring the damage regularly.

Pain management:

Podiatrists work with patients to manage neuropathic pain. The management may include recommending pain medications, topical treatments, or other therapeutic interventions to alleviate discomfort associated with diabetic neuropathy. 

Physical therapy:

Some podiatrists incorporate physical therapy into the treatment plan to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Targeted exercises can help individuals with diabetic neuropathy maintain better control over their movements and reduce the risk of falls.

Patient education:

Podiatrists play a crucial role in educating patients about diabetic foot care. They guide them regarding daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, nail care, and lifestyle modifications to prevent complications.

Collaboration with other healthcare professionals:

Podiatrists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including endocrinologists, neurologists, and vascular specialists, to ensure comprehensive care for individuals with diabetes and neuropathy.

Monitoring and follow-up:

Continuous monitoring is essential for managing diabetic neuropathy. Podiatrists schedule regular follow-up appointments to track how much you have or have not improved, tweak the treatment plans as needed, and also take note of emerging issues promptly.

To summarize, podiatrists are integral members of the healthcare team for individuals with diabetic neuropathy. Their specialized expertise in foot care, combined with a multidisciplinary approach, helps enhance the overall management of diabetes-related foot complications.

When to visit a podiatrist, and how to prepare for an appointment?

Consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist or physician if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Discolored toenails
• Moderate or severe foot pain
• Abnormal growths (for example, warts)
• Cracks or cuts on the foot
• Redness or tenderness
• Swelling, numbness, or tingling sensations
• Joint pain
• Scaling or peeling on toes

In your first visit to a podiatrist, you may be asked about the symptoms you have been experiencing, your medical history, allergies, and medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements). Bring your exercise shoes to the appointment if you have walking issues. Bring a list of questions and a list of all your recurring symptoms before you visit or book a virtual appointment.

Five ways to maintain healthy feet

Since 25% of your bones are in your feet, you must follow hygiene practices and prevent future foot-related disorders and injuries.

• Ensure you wear well-fitting shoes- Ill-fitting shoes can lead to injury and hamper your walking pattern. A perfect shoe fit should allow the ball of your foot to be comfortable in the broadest part of the shoe. The shoe's longest toe and front should have at least half an inch of space between them. Find the correct running shoes according to your foot arch. Flat feet or feet with low arches must buy shoes that promote stability and motion control, whereas feet with high arches must wear a cushioned running shoe with a soft midsole to compensate for poor shock absorption. 
• Keep your feet dry and clean- Damp and sweaty feet are prone to bacterial and fungal infections such as athlete's foot. Wash your feet daily in the shower using a mild soap that can help remove any odor or dirt, and wipe your toes dry afterward. You can also apply powder to keep your feet dry. Wear warm socks during the winter and ensure your feet or heels don't crack by using a foot cream and warm socks. 
• Invest in diabetic foot care- Having diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Some diabetic foot complications include neuropathy, foot ulcers, numbness, tingling sensations, and infections, which can lead to amputation if left untreated. Diabetic patients must check their feet daily to ensure there are no open wounds, cuts, or bruises. Also, wear comfortable-fitting shoes and diabetic socks to help prevent infections, keep your feet dry and improve blood flow. 
• Do not remove warts, corns, and calluses at home- Visit a podiatrist if you find burns, cuts, bruises, or corns on your feet. Do not try removing them with over-the-counter liquids and pads (unless a doctor has advised you), as they could worsen the problem, especially for those with diabetes, heart disease, or circulatory disorders. 
• Go to a podiatrist for routine checkups- Home remedies work to prevent and treat mild foot problems. However, untreated or improperly treated injuries and foot disorders can affect your walking pattern, alignment, and overall mobility. 

 Find podiatrists in Los Angeles

Visiting the best podiatrist near you for routine checkups not only helps to manage and treat injuries but can also help to detect severe health issues. A wider gait or foot-dragging could be a sign of nerve damage which is caused due to problems in the brain, spinal cord, muscles, or even due to vitamin deficiency. Swollen feet indicate poor circulation, lymphatic system problems, kidney disorder, or underactive thyroid.  

Finding the best podiatrist near you can be quite a challenging task. However, platforms like Zocdoc provide a straightforward and secure way for users to book an online or in-person consultation with a healthcare provider. If you reside in Los Angeles, simply visit the Zocdoc website and enter your condition, location, insurance carrier, and plan. Your search results should display a list of top-rated podiatrists near your site.  

Zocdoc allows users to make an informed choice by choosing their providers based on their medical education, training, and certifications. Not only that, but users can also read verified patient reviews and view each specialist's ratings. You can also check whether your chosen podiatrist accepts your insurance plan by entering your plan and carrier from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. Zocdoc also lets users schedule appointments on the same day, 24 hours in advance, on weekends, or after 5 pm, depending on their doctor's availability. 

All bookings with Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!

Podiatrist statistics and prevalence of foot-related problems in Los Angeles, California 

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that California employs nearly 630 podiatrists, the third-highest number in the United States, following New York and Florida. Further, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim employs approximately 230 podiatrists. 

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the top ten cause of death in California is diabetes. In 2012, nearly 6.4% (over 2.4 million) of Californians were affected by diabetes. In 2010, about 73,000 Californians had non-traumatic lower-limb amputations performed due to diabetes.

Data collated by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2020 shows that about 18.2% of individuals aged 18 and above living in California have arthritis. Females (20.6%) were at a higher risk than men (15.5%). Of the total number of arthritis cases reported, nearly 22.2% were obese, 21.6% had diabetes, and 36.6% had heart disease. Approximately 20.1% perform little to no physical activity, and 31.6% have severe joint pain.

Sources

American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine

American Podiatric Medical Association[1]

American Podiatric Medical Association[2]

American Podiatric Medical Association[3]

Healthline

Orthopedic Associates

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]

Island Foot Clinics

Instep Podiatry

Nature Reviews

Mayo Clinic

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.