An expert in foot care is known as a podiatrist. They help in taking care of limbs in the lower part of the body which includes, foot and ankles. They also tend to give therapy to older people who might be vulnerable to falling.
Where Can You Find A Podiatrist?
They are generally available in private clinics but are also present in a variety of healthcare institutions like hospitals, old-age homes, sports clinics, and research institutes.
When Should You Visit A Podiatrist?
The list of reasons for visiting such a professional is not specific. you can visit a podiatrist for a variety of reasons, but some typical conditions are heel pain, toenails that have not grown out, bunions, tinea, calluses, and corns. There are other conditions for which a person might visit such a professional:
Patients suffering from neuropathy, vascular diseases, and diabetes.
History of clinical diagnosis in lower limb or foot deformity.
Falls to be diagnosed clinically.
Arthritis.
Muscular pathologies and soft tissues.
Diseases of the circulatory system.
What Are the Services Provided by Podiatrists?
These professionals provide myriads of services that include treatment of joint and bone disorders and also the treatment of calluses. For conditions like chronic pain and sprains that keep recurring, they may prescribe orthoses for the foot. The scope of practice for a podiatrist includes fields of pediatrics, sports injuries, diabetes, problems of structure, treatment for the elderly and also general foot surgery.
What Is the Requirement to Be A Successful Podiatrist?
- Independence and motivation
- Interest in the healthcare of people
- Sharp communication skills
- Ability to withstand all the demands of the job
What Do You Need to Study to Become A Podiatrist?
For permission to practice in Australia, a professional must have the following credits:
A bachelor’s degree in podiatry
Registered nationally under the Podiatry Board of Australia
Continuing development in the professional front.
A bachelor’s degree will take up to four years. It is a full-time course and you can pursue it at a few universities. It includes practical and theoretical lessons and also equips you in clinical practice as well.
What Are the Duties of a Podiatrist?
A professional in the foot and lower limb treatment is required to the following:
- Examination of the feet of patients in order to diagnose any disorders or infections and responsibly deduce a treatment plan.
- Advise patients on foot health and the steps to avoid foot disorders.
- Deformities like flat feet and foot imbalance treatments by prescribing devices for their correction. One such device is an ortho.
- Work with patients who are suffering from diabetes, peripheral vascular disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and other neurological disorders.
- Surgical procedures to be performed on feet.
- Treatment of abnormalities of bones, skin, nails, and joints like bunions, ingrown toenails, deformations of toes, warts, corns, and other infections.
- Recommendations of footwear for specific conditions
- Prescription of orthotic devices for correction and protection of a variety of leg and foot abnormalities.
What Are the Employment Opportunities for A Podiatrist?
Private practice is generally the best option as a sole proprietor, employee or partner. Community health centers, hospitals, specialty clinics, sports medicine clinics, and rehabilitation centers. You can take up a job at healthcare and old age homes helping in the treatment of elderly citizen. Aiding them in their everyday needs and giving them proper guidance. You can also take the freelancing route and provide treatment in homes of the patients looking for a podiatrist.
The podiatrist is an emerging and popular field, especially in times like today when people are looking for specialists when it comes to healthcare.