Protecting and Maintaining Graceful Beautiful Summertime Feet

Keys Areas to Consider When Looking for a Podiatrist

24 September 2020

Wallace Howell

Foot problems can significantly affect your quality of life because of pain and discomfort. For instance, issues like foot arthritis, ingrown nails, sprains, and foot ligament or muscle pain are immobilising, thereby limiting social interaction opportunities. Additionally, foot issues can adversely affect your gait leading to other problems such as muscle imbalance. Notably, it is crucial to see a podiatrist immediately when you start noticing foot problems. However, your choice of podiatrist will determine the quality of help you receive. Here are a few areas that you should pay close attention to when looking for a podiatrist.

Custom-Made Foot Orthotics

Orthotics are shoe inserts that help to realign the ankle to correct abnormal gait, and podiatrists often recommend the treatment option. In some instances, a podiatrist will recommend over-the-counter orthotics that you can readily find from a shoe store. However, although over-the-counter orthotics can correct poor gait, they act slightly slower, thereby prolonging the treatment period. Your best bet at getting your gait fixed as fast as possible is to see a podiatrist that prescribes custom-made foot orthotics. With the help of a physiotherapist, a podiatrist will make a mould of your feet and use it to create an exact copy for orthotics. It will ensure that the final orthotics fit snug under your feet.

Specialised Podiatry

Contrary to what most people believe, podiatry is a broad field. Therefore, you need to choose your podiatrist wisely if you want the best possible care for your foot problems. For instance, a sports podiatrist will be of no help to you if you suffer from diabetes-related foot problems. You only go to a sports podiatrist if you are an avid athlete. Similarly, a pediatric biomechanical podiatrist would be the best choice for your child if you notice abnormal foot movement when they walk or run. Ultimately, visit a podiatrist that best fits your foot problems.

Complete Foot Examination

Foot problems should be taken seriously because what appears on the surface could indicate a more severe problem underneath. Therefore, a podiatrist must conduct a full foot examination before recommending treatment. For example, if you experience pain in your foot without any visible swelling, a foot massage will only deal with the symptom. A podiatrist might need to conduct an ultrasound to have a clear image of a foot problem. Only a podiatrist with a wide array of diagnostic equipment can promise a thorough foot examination.

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