When you are experiencing dental problems, the first person that comes to mind is a dentist. Likewise, a podiatrist is the first person that you should visit every time you have problems with your lower limbs. However, many people are not very knowledgeable about what a podiatrist can do for them. Here is some basic information you should know:

What fields can a podiatrist specialise in?

Podiatrists can specialise in various fields, including but not restricted to:

• Surgery for people requiring minor surgical procedures such as laser treatment for toenail fungus.
• Sports treatment for athletes suffering injuries on their lower limbs.
• Foot care for those who need advice (not treatment) about proper footwear or how to ensure good foot health.
• Pediatrics for children experiencing walking problems or pain in their lower limbs.
• Diabetic care for diabetic patients with sharp, burning pain in their lower limbs or feet numbness due to blood circulation problems.

What can a podiatrist do to help?

Podiatrists can handle virtually all types of foot-related ailments to alleviate painful foot injuries. They can also reduce the discomfort associated with many other problems such as having smelly feet. In addition, they can supply you with all the information you need to keep your lower limbs in good health. In doing so, podiatrists:

• Diagnose and treat foot-related illnesses, ranging from problems ranging from painful ankle sprains and torn Achilles tendons to deformities such as discoloured toenails.
• Analyse how a person walks or runs and correct the anatomical relationship between the different segments of the foot.
• Provide, if need be, orthotics (customised padding, insoles and arch supports) padding to alleviate lower limb pain.
• Monitor, assess and manage lower limb ailments and deformities resulting from diseases such as bunion.
• Offer therapeutic treatment to patients facing a high risk of potential foot-related problems or even amputation especially the diabetic patients.
• Perform minor surgical procedures such as nail removal using local anaesthetics.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?

Many people often ask the question: what makes a podiatrist different from a chiropodist? Well, there is no difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist; a chiropodist is just another term used for a podiatrist. Both podiatrists and chiropodists assess, diagnose, and treat lower limb illnesses and deformities according to their areas of specialty. Therefore, you shouldn't get confused since the two terms are used interchangeably.

Most importantly, podiatrists play an especially pivotal role in helping children and older folks to stay mobile and, hence, remain independent. Contact a company such as Walk Without Pain to learn more.