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Who is a podiatrist?

A Podiatrist is a foot doctor. Chiropodists are sometimes called physicians or surgeons who treat the foot, ankle, and connecting parts of the leg. The field of podiatry has its schools and professional associations in the US. Unlike other doctors, Podiatrists have "DPM" (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) after their name.

Why do we need podiatrists?

Feet are considered the foundation of human bodies, and rightly so, given that they maintain the body's balance, support, and overall well-being. This relatively simple-looking body part is complex and makes up 25% of our bones, 18% of joints, and 6% of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Even slight damage to any of these can cause severe effects on our bodies and can hamper mobility. 

Many times, foot pain or discomfort signifies a severe health condition. For instance, numbness or tingling in the feet could indicate diabetes, while swelling in the ankles and feet could indicate kidney problems, heart disease, vein problems, or high blood pressure. Therefore, We must provide our feet with the best possible care.

Education and training of a podiatrist

The educational requirements for becoming a podiatrist vary by country. However, in most cases, it involves completing a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry, followed by a four-year doctoral program in podiatric medicine. During the doctoral program, students take anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology courses and gain hands-on clinical experience through rotations and internships.

After completing the doctoral program, podiatrists must complete residency training, typically three to four years. During the residency, podiatrists work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings, gaining experience in various areas of podiatric medicine, such as surgery, orthopedics, and sports medicine.

In addition to the initial education and training requirements, podiatrists must continue their education throughout their careers by continuing education courses and staying up-to-date on the latest developments in their field. It ensures they have the knowledge and skills to provide patients with the highest quality of care.

Common foot problems by age

• Foot problems are prevalent in every age group, from newborns to older adults 

• Problems related to growth, development, and heel pain are the most common among newborns and toddlers

• Ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and heel pains are issues affecting all age groups but are most prevalent in school-going children

• Adults may often encounter stress injuries, fatigue issues, plantar fasciitis, and mechanical problems such as hammer toes

• Older adults are most prone to foot problems that may arise due to arthritis, diabetes, and vascular changes such as varicose veins

The most common foot problem that affects every age group but is most prevalent in older adults is diabetes. Diabetes can damage the tissues in the feet or legs, which hampers blood flow to the feet, thus causing severe complications. 

When should you see a podiatrist near you? 

You should consult a podiatrist if you notice any of the following on your foot or ankle:

• Sprains or fractures
• Foot pain
• Thick or discolored toenails
• Swelling 
• Cracks or cuts on the skin
• Numbness or tingling
• Open sore or wound
• Skin irritations
• Scaling or peeling on soles
• Misshapen feet
• Crumbling nails

Which podiatrist should you consult?

All podiatrists are qualified to diagnose your foot problems; however, some podiatrists choose to pursue specializations within foot medicine and consequently gather more experience and expertise in a particular niche of podiatry. Some of the subspecialties of podiatry are:

• Podiatric surgery: specializing in foot and ankle surgery  
• Podiatric sports medicine: dealing with foot problems due to sports and athletics
• Pediatric care: specializing in podiatric care for children 
• Dermatological podiatry: the treatment of skin disorders of the foot and ankle 
• Podiatric diabetology: specializing in diabetes foot care
• Podiatric oncology: deals with skin cancers on the feet
• Podiatric orthopedics: the treatment of foot abnormalities with orthotics, prosthetics, and footwear

How to prepare for a podiatrist's session

Preparing for a podiatrist's session can help you get the most out of your appointment and ensure that your foot health concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. Here are some pointers on how to prepare for a session with the podiatrist near you:

• Gather relevant medical history and documentation: Before your appointment, gather any relevant medical history, including any previous surgeries or treatments you have had for foot or ankle conditions. Bring all pertinent documentation, such as X-rays or MRI results, to the appointment.

• List your symptoms and concerns: Note the specific symptoms you experience, such as pain, swelling, numbness, and any problems you have with your foot health. It will help ensure you do not forget to mention critical information during your appointment.

• Bring comfortable shoes and socks: It is essential to wear them to your appointment, as the podiatrist may need to examine your feet and ankles. Avoid wearing tight-fitting or restrictive shoes, which may interfere with the examination.

• Be prepared to discuss your lifestyle and activities: Your podiatrist will likely ask you questions about your lifestyle and activities, such as your job, exercise routine, and hobbies. Be prepared to discuss these topics, which may be directly or indirectly relevant to your foot health.

• Ask questions: Ask questions and clear your doubts during your appointment. Your podiatrist is there to help you, and they want to ensure you clearly understand your condition and any recommended treatments or procedures.

4 Best ways to maintain foot health

Regular hygiene: A few foot problems can be caused by a lack of hygiene or excessive moisture. These can be eradicated by regularly washing feet with soap and drying them well. 

Maintaining toenails: Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot issues, which you can easily avoid by trimming and cutting them straight.

Exercise: Regular foot health exercises like ankle pumps, tiptoeing, toe rises, etc., can help maintain flexibility, strength, and mobility of your feet. It can prevent the tightness of the calf and ankle and is a meaningful gesture to take care of your feet in the long run.

Wear the right shoes: The right shoes can protect your feet as you go around your daily tasks and provide a good cushion and support to your feet. Ensure that your shoes are well-fitting and are kept from wearing down in any area. 

How does arthritis affect feet?

Arthritis can severely affect normal feet and ankle movement, making walking and performing your daily activities difficult. Arthritis in the foot and ankle is divided into three types:

• Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative or " wear and tear" arthritis, is a common problem among people over the age of 50 years. In some cases, it may also occur in younger people. It occurs when the protective layer called cartilage present in the joint gradually wears out. As the protective space between two bones reduces, the area becomes rough and weak. As a result, the bones rub against each other during movement, restricting motion and causing painful osteophytes. Osteoarthritis risk factors include being obese or overweight and genetics. 

• Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder that often occurs in the foot and ankle and can affect multiple joints. It generally affects the same joints in both regions of the body. 

It is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body's immune system attacks the tissues surrounding the joints, causing swelling. Over time, the affected tissues damage the cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones, causing severe joint deformity or disability. Though rheumatoid arthritis is not a genetic disease, few researchers believe that people with a particular gene type are more susceptible to the disorder. 

• Post-traumatic arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis generally develops after an injury to the foot or ankle. Fractures and dislocations that damage or injure the surface of the joints cause the cartilage between the joints to wear away, causing post-traumatic arthritis. It generally develops many years after a joint injury. An injured joint is more susceptible to arthritis than an uninjured joint, even after treatment. After the injury, the body usually secretes hormones that deteriorate the cartilage cells over time, causing arthritis. 

Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis

The common symptoms of arthritis in the foot and ankle include the following:

• Increased swelling and pain after resting or sitting for long hours
• Pain during movement
• Difficulty in walking
• Accentuating pain with increased physical activity
• Redness, swelling, and warmth in the joints
• Tenderness of the joints

How do you find the best foot doctor near you?

Foot problems affect all, especially senior citizens. Florida has the second-largest proportion and population of adults in the 65 + age group in the US, which makes expert podiatric care even more essential in the state. Finding such specialized care near you can be difficult; however, Zocdoc makes it super simple!

To find a podiatrist in Orlando, Florida, you must enter your problem and place of residence. Zocdoc will then scan its extensive database and list the best podiatrists practicing in your area. You can choose which podiatrist to consult based on their comprehensive profile, qualifications, accreditation, affiliations, awards, and meticulously verified patient reviews. 

Not only that, but Zocdoc also helps you check if the best podiatrist near you accepts your insurance plan. When you've decided on the specialist to consult, this innovative platform will help you make immediate appointments based on availability. All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and free!

Florida's need for podiatry 

According to the Population Reference Bureau report for 2021, Florida has the second largest population and most significant proportion of people over 65. It implies greater chances of foot problems relating to arthritis, diabetes, and muscle weakening. 

Approximately 2,350,321 people, i.e., 13.1% of Florida's adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes, while around 38.7% of the adult population have prediabetes with blood glucose levels higher than average. An estimated 105,000 people in the state are diagnosed with diabetes every year.

The United Health Foundation reported that 24.5% of the US population was suffering from arthritis in 2021, while Florida statistics showed that a staggering 24% of the population had arthritis. 

Sources

Advancing Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery 

American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine

Orlando Health [1]

Orlando Health [2]

United Health Foundation: America's Health Rankings

WebMD

Population Reference Bureau

Florida Diabetes Alliance Inc.

Instep Podiatry

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

NYU Langone Health

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.