While you may be familiar with doctors and physiotherapists, you may not know much about the role of a podiatrist. Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.

Here are some of the main roles and responsibilities of a podiatrist:

Diagnosing Foot Conditions

Podiatrists are trained to properly evaluate, diagnose and treat a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions. This includes ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, plantar fasciitis, and other injuries or complications. They utilize medical histories, physical exams, gait analysis, x-rays and other techniques.

Treating Foot Deformities

Those with congenital foot deformities like club foot or acquired structural deformities can be treated by a podiatrist. They can provide conservative treatments like custom orthotics or braces. For more severe cases, our podiatrists can refer you to a specialist podiatric surgeon, who can perform reconstructive surgery to improve foot function.

Diabetic Foot Care

Podiatrists play a key role in caring for diabetics who are at risk for foot ulcers, infections and even amputations. They educate patients, perform routine foot checks, debride wounds, and coordinate management of foot complications from diabetes.

Sports Medicine

For athletes or highly active individuals, podiatrists can provide therapies to rehabilitate foot and ankle injuries, and prevent future ones. This may involve custom orthotics, shockwave, laser, physical therapy, bracing/taping, and a customised exercise program.

Pediatric Care

Children commonly experience issues like ingrown nails, warts, flat feet and other foot conditions that podiatrists can evaluate and treat through conservative methods or minor procedures if needed.

Surgery

Surgical techniques for the correction of bunions, removal of bone spurs, and repair of ruptured tendons are all done by podiatric surgeons. If our podiatrists recommend surgical treatment, they will be able to assist you with a referral.

Working with Other Providers

Podiatrists frequently collaborate with other health professionals like orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and nurses as part of a comprehensive treatment team for musculoskeletal issues affecting the feet and ankles.

Whether you are an athlete, diabetic, child or simply dealing with painful feet, a podiatrist can provide the specialized foot and ankle care you need. Their expertise helps patients overcome injuries, deformities and diseases affecting the feet.