Who are podiatrists, and what do they do?
Podiatrists, also called 'podiatric physicians' or 'doctors of podiatric medicine,' are health care providers who help with problems concerning your feet or lower legs. Commonly referred to as 'doctor of feet,' they hold specialized knowledge on all parts and conditions related to the feet. They can treat injuries and complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. Although they are doctors, they do not attend conventional medical schools. They have their professional associations. They use "DPM," i.e., Doctor of Podiatric Medicine," as a suffix to their names.
Podiatrists receive training in performing surgery, resetting broken bones, prescribing drugs, and ordering lab tests or X-rays. They often work closely with other specialists, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, pediatricians, and specialists in infectious diseases. While receiving formal education and training in podiatry, podiatrists study how bones, nerves, and muscles work in coordination to help you move. They also study illnesses and injuries that affect your feet. Their study includes lessons on diagnosing and treating diseases. In the United States, respective state governments license and regulate the work of podiatrists.
Conditions treated by a podiatrist
Podiatrists are crucial in addressing many foot-related conditions across all age groups. They are knowledgeable and skilled in diagnosing and treating various issues, including:
- Fractures and sprains: Podiatrists treat common injuries affecting the foot or ankle. Their involvement extends to sports medicine, where they manage foot problems in athletes and provide recommendations for prevention of injury.
- Bunions and hammertoes: Podiatrists address structural problems such as bunions and hammertoes in the foot bones. A bunion develops when the joint located at the foundation of the big toe enlarges or shifts, causing the toe to bend toward others. In contrast, a hammertoe exhibits an abnormal bending pattern.
- Nail disorders: Podiatrists adeptly handle nail issues, ranging from infections caused by fungi to ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the toe instead of straight out.
- Diabetes: Podiatrists play a pivotal role in managing foot complications associated with diabetes. The condition can damage nerves and impede blood circulation to the feet, sometimes leading to the need for foot amputation. Podiatrists actively work to prevent such severe outcomes by monitoring and treating foot sores or calluses in individuals with diabetes.
- Arthritis: With a focus on the 33 joints in each foot, podiatrists address arthritis through recommendations such as physical therapy, medication, and specialized footwear. Surgical interventions become an option when other treatments prove insufficient.
- Growing pains: Children experiencing foot alignment issues benefit from podiatric care. Podiatrists may recommend exercises, insoles, braces, or surgical interventions to address inward-pointing feet, flatness, or misaligned toes.
- Heel pain: Podiatrists are adept at managing heel pain caused by various factors such as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and Achilles tendinitis. Treatment strategies range from over-the-counter pain medications to orthotics, with surgery being an option for some individuals.
- Morton's neuroma: Podiatrists specialize in addressing nerve problems between the third and fourth foot bones, a condition often affecting runners. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory injections, orthotics, and, in some cases, surgical removal.
What foot problems does diabetes cause?
If you have diabetes, there are several foot issues you may experience, including:
- Nerve damage: You may encounter neuropathy (nerve damage). It can result in pain and numbness in your feet. Eventually, this can cause more severe problems, including losing complete sensation in your feet and toes. In such cases, an injury like a cut can go undetected.
- Foot ulcers: A foot ulcer is an injury that usually occurs on the foot and toes. The tissue on that particular foot part breaks down to create an open wound. These ulcers can grow larger and quickly become infected. Treatment is lengthy and expensive. If not adequately treated or cared for, they may require amputation.
- Charcot foot: Nerve damage in your feet can also cause the weakening of the bones in the feet. When these bones weaken, they can lead to fractures and deformities in the foot.
- Amputations: A foot ulcer or wound is sometimes irreparable. If the state worsens, you may require an amputation.
The above mentioned conditions are only some foot problems you may experience as a complication of diabetes. A podiatrist can help you determine the specific risk factors for your unique case and provide you with a list of signs and symptoms to keep an eye on.
Podiatric care for diabetes
A podiatrist makes for an integral part of your diabetes healthcare team. Diabetes can impact your feet in several ways, and podiatrists help address those issues.
When you schedule your first appointment with a podiatrist, be prepared with information on your medical history and questions regarding your current foot concerns. You may want to discuss the following with your doctor:
- Foot exams: Your podiatrist can demonstrate how to conduct a foot exam at home and what you need to keep a check on.
- Temperature monitoring: Temperature monitoring is clinically proven to prevent foot ulcers and amputations by 87%. Talk to your doctor about incorporating continuous temperature monitoring into your treatment plan.
- Keeping your feet healthy: Talk with your podiatrist about what you can do daily to protect your feet.
Reasons to visit a podiatrist
When it comes to the feet, an intricate network of bones, tendons, and ligaments keeps them moving. Hence, it is essential to take care of them to make this function flawless. Meanwhile, do not forget to consult a podiatrist immediately if you are experiencing the following:
- Thick or discolored toenails
- Skin breaks or wounds
- Wart-like growths
- Scaling and peeling on your soles
How to prepare for your first podiatry session?
Visiting a podiatrist is the same as seeing a general practitioner. Hence, there is no need to worry. You can prepare for your visit using the following tips for your first podiatrist session:
- Before you visit: Make a note of your symptoms, medicines, any prior surgeries, and questions you have for your doctor. Create a folder of all the critical medical documents. It may be X-rays, MRIs, etc. Check with your medical insurance to determine whether a reference is essential.
- Also, consider calling the office in advance to let them know about your particular requirements in case your condition demands so. You can also ask for help from a friend or family member. That may be helpful. Finally, if your issue involves walking or exercising, pack your walking shoes/stick.
- During the visit: Pay close attention to what the doctor says and note it down. Follow up with your list of questions. Ask them for further explanation if you cannot understand their response. Explain your symptoms, current medications, and any changes you may have seen. Additionally, do not forget to discuss your allergies, if any, with the doctor.
- It may be necessary for the treatment plan they will design for you. Moreover, let your podiatrist know if you are pregnant or attempting to conceive and if you are seeking treatment from other doctors.
- Following your visit: Start preparing for the tests your podiatrist has prescribed. Ask about the requirements, possible side effects, expected turnaround time for findings, and when and how you'll have access to them. Make a follow-up appointment before you leave your doctor's office if required.
Best foot doctor near you in San Francisco, California
A survey of 1000 US adults by "Foot Health and Care" 2014 showed that 8 out of 10 Americans had experienced a foot problem. A foot problem can be anything from an ingrown toenail to chronic foot pain. About 1.3 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis; around 90% of rheumatoid arthritis's symptoms develop in the foot and ankle. Besides limiting your movement, untreated chronic foot pain may result in mental health problems like depression and irritability and hamper one's daily life. Zocdoc helps you treat your disease through podiatrist care by connecting you with the best foot doctor near you.
Our comprehensive podiatry directory provides you access to the top-rated and experienced podiatrists in your location from the comfort of your home. The Podiatric Medical Board of California licenses podiatrists listed on Zocdoc from your area. Choose from thousands of doctors based on patient ratings, patient reviews, the doctor's education, clinical interests, specializations, practice history, and certifications. All doctor profiles of Zocdoc are verified and updated to assist you in making an informed decision.
You must include 'Podiatrist' in your search query and choose from the top foot doctors near you. You can select multiple doctors for second opinions on your diagnosis or treatment. Once you have chosen the best podiatrist, Zocdoc assists you in instantly booking an appointment for your first podiatric care session. All bookings with Zocdoc are free, fast, and secure.
Statistical data on diabetes in California
Diabetes is prevalent in the United States. Similarly, the burden of diabetes in California is also high. Nearly 3,209,418 people in California, or 10.5% of the adult population, are aware that they have diabetes. Around 884,000 Californians have diabetes but don't know it, significantly increasing their health risk. Additionally, 10,320,000 people in California have higher than normal blood glucose levels; this condition can be called prediabetes.
Approximately 272,814 people in California receive a diabetes diagnosis each year.
Sources
WebMD
National Library of Medicine[1]
National Library of Medicine[2]
Siren
Arthritis Foundation
California Department of Public Health
San Francisco Health Improvement Partnership
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