What Is Podiatry?
Podiatry is a branch of medicine dealing with the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. It focuses on specific foot and ankle conditions that require a foot and ankle specialist, also known as a podiatrist. Below, you will see what a podiatrist does, common conditions a podiatrist treats, signs you might need podiatry services, and how to find a trusted practitioner. If you need a trusted podiatrist, Greenspring Podiatry, is happy to be of service.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist graduates from a podiatry medical school and attends a three-year residency program to train in podiatric surgery. While graduates used to choose between nonsurgical and surgical residencies, all now study both.
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
Typical foot and heel conditions that a podiatrist might treat are either genetic, traumatic, chronic, or simply a matter of personal foot care. Some people may have inherited foot characteristics that predispose them to have improper foot alignment. Alternatively, one might have an underlying health condition such as diabetes or a nerve disorder that can affect the blood circulation and nerves in the feet. A podiatrist also specializes in foot injuries like sprains and fractures, along with foot conditions like calluses and corns that are preventable.
Signs You Need a Podiatrist
As mentioned above, other medical conditions can affect one’s foot health. If you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, a nerve disorder, or a compromised immune system, it is best to have routine podiatric care. You should also consider seeing a podiatrist if you experience any of the following conditions:
- Discolored skin on the feet or toenails
- Flattening foot arch
- Foreign object in the foot or ankle
- Ingrown Toenails
- Lump in the foot or ankle
- Mole that changes in appearance
- Pain or swelling in the foot
- Sores not healing or slow to heal
- Tingling or burning in the foot
Finding a Trusted Podiatrist
It is always best to ask your primary care physician or a specialist for a referral to a podiatrist. However, asking trusted friends and family members who have received excellent podiatric care is another option. Specialists that may have working relationships with podiatrists include neurologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, vascular surgeons, rheumatologists, and dermatologists. At Greenspring Podiatry, we strongly recommend finding a podiatrist certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
Contact Greenspring Podiatry to Learn More!
Foot and ankle pain, injuries, and other problems are inconvenient and irritating, often causing patients to have trouble walking. Here at Greenspring Podiatry, we understand how critical the feet and ankles are to the body, movement, and participation in daily life. Are you searching for a trusted podiatrist? With Greenspring Podiatry, there is hope for healing. Contact us today or call us to start your road to recovery. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
