Definition of Podiatry and Treatments
Summary:
– Definition podology: the foot and its pathologies
– Numerous pathologies treated in podiatry
– When to see a podiatrist?
– 3 different types of podiatry professionals
Podiatry is one of the two facets of the chiropodist’s profession. In addition to podiatry, certain specialties allow to take care of the foot:
– orthopaedics and orthopaedic surgery;
– posturology.
Defining podiatry: the foot and its pathologies
Podiatry is a science that focuses on the foot in general.
Its fields of intervention cover:
– the study of the normal foot;
– the pathologies that affect it;
– posturology;
– and the treatments to put in place in order to care for these conditions.
In a broader sense, the field of intervention of podiatry specialists can even be extended to the lower limb.
Numerous pathologies treated in podiatry
Here are a few examples of pathologies managed by podiatry:
– malformations/deformations of the foot;
– localized pain in the foot;
– inability to walk or maintain posture;
Podiatry relies on posturology to establish a diagnosis and relieve pain. For skin or nail problems, you will also need to see a chiropodist-podiatrist. However, it is the branch of chiropody that deals with these foot pathologies.
When to see a podiatrist?
Don’t wait until it hurts to push the door of a podiatrist!
The appearance of discomfort when walking should automatically lead you to consult a podiatrist. He/she will be able to prevent the arrival of corns, ingrown toenails or deformities.
If problems are treated quickly, they can be resolved quickly. If you wait too long, the deformity may become rigid and your podiatrist will only be able to reduce the pain caused by the deformity without being able to solve the problem.
Good to know: it is advisable to consult at least once a year.
3 different types of podiatry professionals
Three categories of professionals are involved in the field of podiatry (excluding surgery):
1. The chiropodist who:
– carries out the care of the foot, he is also authorized to manufacture orthopedic inserts;
– can carry out certain procedures after a diagnosis has been made, without a medical prescription;
– can also issue prescriptions.
2. The podo-orthotist: also manufactures orthopaedic inserts.
Orthopedic insoles, or plantar orthoses, are specific custom-made devices designed to correct a deformity or imbalance during walking.
3. The podiatrist is the only one authorized to manufacture nail orthotics or nail orthotics.
If you are unsure about which service is best for you, give a call to Darwin Foot Clinic. They provide sports and general podiatry for foot and ankle conditions.
