Do Podiatrists Treat Infections? Your Podiatry Questions Answered!
In order to live a healthy lifestyle, it’s recommended that we try to hit 10,000 steps every single day. Even just the slightest pain in our foot can cause a massive hindrance to our ability to move around, and our health relies on being able to keep active, even if it’s just as simple as going on a walk. In short, taking care of your feet is important!
Visiting a podiatrist is one of the easiest ways to make sure everything’s in working order. But, many people might not be sure whether their particular condition is something a podiatrist treats. Infections? Injuries? Post-surgery recovery? Let’s delve a bit further into the work of a podiatrist, and find out whether they could be the solution to your latest health challenge.
This blog discusses some of the most common questions about podiatrists and the conditions they treat. If you’re looking to sit down with a podiatrist to get a personalised treatment plan, reach out to Joint Muscle Bone today.
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist treats more than just the occasional foot ache. Podiatry covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of foot, ankle, and lower limb disorders. Often, problems within these areas can be the root cause of greater problems throughout the rest of the body, such as knee, hip, and back pain. Many people may misunderstand the work of a podiatrist completely, not realising that the scope of their work covers everything from ingrown toenails to more severe injuries that may require surgery. All in all, a podiatrist may very well be the solution to the aches or pains that have been tormenting you!
What Injuries does a Podiatrist Treat?
If there is any injury to your lower limbs, chances are a podiatrist is the right expert to visit. Many typical appointments in a podiatrist’s clinic include the treatment of injuries, helping to diagnose and find a recovery plan to help patients get back on their feet. Podiatry is often the go-to solution for many athletes who find themselves injured from overuse or an accident from their sport. For any injuries to the feet, ankles, shins, and knees, a podiatrist is the person to call.
Do Podiatrists Treat Infections?
Whilst unappealing to think about, fungal infections in the foot skin and toenails are incredibly common. And yes, a podiatrist can help you out with them! Podiatrists are fully trained to diagnose infections through the skin and toenails, and will work with a patient to not only determine the likely origin of the infection but come up with a tailored treatment plan.
This may involve further testing of the infected area, comprehensive footwear assessment to make sure your shoes aren’t causing you trouble, and prescription of ointments or oral anti-fungal medication.
What Other Conditions does a Podiatrist Treat?
So, what else can a podiatrist be treating for you? Here are just a few of the most common conditions that come through a podiatry clinic every single day:
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- Corns
- Calluses
- Athlete’s foot
- Flat feet
- Heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Blisters
- Gout
- Unexpected aches and pains
- Warts
- Cracked heels
- Excessive sweating
- Gait issues
- Bunions
- Foot problems as a result of other conditions (such as diabetes)
Contact Muscle Joint Bone Today to Book Your Podiatry Appointment
Injuries, infections, orthotics, callouses… there’s no end to the number of conditions a podiatrist can help to treat with the services they have on offer. If there’s something going awry with your feet or lower limbs, you won’t regret booking in to see your local podiatrist as soon as possible?
At Muscle Joint Bone, we see countless patients every week with a huge range of different complaints and issues going on. Chances are, we’ll know how to help you out too, no matter the problem you’re facing. Contact our friendly team today to book your first podiatry appointment!