There is no denying that the feet support the entire body; therefore, foot health has a huge impact on one’s health.
If you are suffering from aching feet or have developed a serious foot condition, you need to find a podiatrist in your area to have your feet examined.
The importance of podiatry cannot be overstated because foot-related problems can significantly impact all areas of our lives, which is why it helps to be aware of such issues ahead of time.
Let’s explore the importance of podiatry.
The Importance of Podiatry
Podiatry is the branch of medical science that focuses exclusively on diagnosing and treating foot-related issues, including ankles and lower extremities.
A podiatrist is a trained professional with expertise in treating foot-related issues to manage and control the symptoms associated with foot disorders.
Our feet serve as foundations for our bodies and provide us with stability and support, enabling us to function optimally.
Each foot contains twenty-eight bones, thirty joints, and over one hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which are inextricably linked in their function and provide adequate balance and mobility.
Any complications that can arise, such as ankle sprains, bone damage, and feet disorders, need to be examined and treated straight away to minimize the difficulties caused in our daily lives.
Feet-Related Issues
Feet-related issues are more common than you’d think and require treatment and examination to restore the functioning of our feet.
Let’s look at some of the common foot problems we face.
Skin and Toenail Issues
Many people find it difficult to indulge in foot care because it is something they do not really think about or consider due to the unlikelihood of developing a serious condition.
However, as we grow older and become more prone to aging, our skin becomes harder, and our nails get thicker; it’s not a simple task to engage in foot care because it’s a hard-to-reach area that’s difficult to manage.
This is where a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat any of our feet’ skin and nail conditions.
Aching Feet
Most people have experienced the sensation of tired feet and legs following a long and arduous walk or from standing for too long.
You can experience these symptoms from wearing uncomfortable shoes or heels for women, which can modify your foot posture, including high and low foot arches that can make it difficult to walk properly without experiencing pain.
Bone Deformities
Many people experience a change in the bone structure of their feet, which develops because of a mechanical dysfunction that leads to an eventual shift in bone alignment.
This can lead to protrusions and bone prominence, which can be painful.
Some common osteoarthritic changes at joints can lead to conditions such as bunions and clawed or hammertoes.
Podiatrists can provide patients with conservative management to fix or realign any mechanical dysfunctions of their feet.
You can expect treatment in the form of padding in shoes, supportive devices, and professional advice for buying the right footwear.
These tips and adjustments can reduce painful symptoms and restore the optimal function of our feet.
Diabetes Causing Foot Problems
Diabetes can quickly turn into a big problem that can affect our feet in several ways.
Blood circulation can start to suffer, affecting our lower limbs’ nerves and general health.
A diabetic foot is very serious and can cause difficulties in our daily life if we do not take proper action to treat it.
A podiatrist helps by assessing a person’s diabetic foot and carries out many non-invasive vascular and neurological tests to detect any underlying risk factors that could develop into serious complications.
The podiatrist’s responsibility is to help educate their patients on matters of foot care and manage any nail and skin conditions that may be present.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is fairly common in aged individuals and those who are very active on their feet.
It is caused by inflammation and overwork of the plantar fascia, painful sensations arising from the fat pad around the heel, and from heel spurs.
Heel pain occurs due to physical discomfort that can build up on the underside of the heel, which can lead to difficulty walking as the feet struggle to support the body’s weight.
Children can also suffer from heel pain, and a common heel-related disease they develop is called Sever’s Disease, which can injure the growth plate at our heel bone, leading to inflammation.
Children tend to move around a lot in their early adolescence, resulting in their feet accumulating unnecessary and excessive strain from supporting their weight at compromising angles.
Qualifications of a Podiatrist
A podiatrist must have a bachelor’s degree in science such as biology.
After obtaining their bachelor’s degree, they must attend podiatry school for 4 years, where they learn about bones, nerves, muscles, and how they interact together.
It is also a part of their education to learn about foot-related injuries and diseases to diagnose and treat such conditions.
In some cases, you may need surgery, and podiatrists perform surgery on patients whose symptoms cannot be cured with adjustments.
After graduation, students have their residency, which involves working in a hospital for 3 years. They learn to work with other doctors to practice what they have learned from their education.
Final Verdict
Many people are not as aware of podiatry as other branches of medical science. Still, they will face foot-related problems that require diagnosis and treatment from a podiatrist at some point in their lives.
Podiatry is an important branch of medicine that provides pain relief from foot conditions and also involves surgery and knowledge of the relationship between bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
If you are suffering from foot pain and it is your first time dealing with such an issue, you can visit a Brisbane podiatrist clinic to get yourself diagnosed and evaluated for any underlying conditions.
