Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) that undergo specialized education and training to become experts in foot and ankle care. Podiatrists are qualified to treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including but not limited to:
- Foot and ankle injuries. Sprains, fractures, sports injuries, and trauma.
- Foot deformities. Hammertoes, flat feet, bunions, and high arches.
- Skin and nail conditions. Fungal infections, ingrown toenails, warts, and calluses.
- Diabetic foot care. Managing foot complications associated with diabetes, such as ulcers and neuropathy.
- Podiatric surgery. Performing surgical procedures like bunionectomy, toe realignment, or tendon repair.
- Orthotics. Prescribing and fitting custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) to address gait abnormalities and provide support.
- Sports medicine. Treats foot and ankle injuries, which are commonly experienced by athletes.
- Pediatrics. Assessing and treating foot problems in children, such as flat feet or gait abnormalities.
Podiatrists may work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, or sports medicine centers. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and primary care physicians, to provide comprehensive foot and ankle care.
If you have any concerns or conditions related to your feet, ankles, or lower extremities, consulting with podiatrist perth is recommended for proper diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
Can a podiatrist do surgery?
Yes, podiatrists can perform surgery. Podiatric surgery is a specialized field within podiatry that involves surgical procedures to address various foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists who pursue additional training in surgical techniques and gain expertise in this area are known as podiatric surgeons. Podiatric surgery may involve elective procedures and those necessary to treat medical conditions.
Some common surgical procedures performed by podiatrists include:
- Bunionectomy. Surgical removal of bunions (bony bumps at the base of the big toe).
- Hammertoe correction. Straightening of toes that have become bent or curled.
- Tendon repair. Surgery to repair or reconstruct damaged tendons in the foot or ankle.
- Heel spur removal. Surgical removal of bony growths that cause heel pain.
- Neuroma removal. Excision of a pinched or inflamed nerve, usually in the ball of the foot.
- Plantar fascia release. Surgery to release the tight band of tissue causing plantar fasciitis.
- Foot and ankle fracture repair. Setting and fixing broken bones in the foot or ankle.
- Joint fusion. Surgery to fuse two bones together to treat severe arthritis or instability.
Podiatric surgeons undergo extensive training to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to perform these surgical procedures safely and effectively. They work closely with patients to determine the most appropriate treatment options and provide post-operative care to promote recovery.
So, when you visit a podiatrist in Perth, you are seeing a qualified medical professional who has earned a doctorate-level degree in podiatric medicine and has the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions.
