What Does a Podiatrist Do?
Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. They play a crucial role in providing comprehensive foot care and promoting overall foot health.
The primary responsibilities of podiatrists include:
Diagnosis and Treatment: Podiatrists are trained to assess and diagnose various foot and lower limb conditions such as fractures, sprains, infections, deformities, and skin disorders. They develop personalized treatment plans that may involve prescribing medications, recommending physical therapy, performing minor surgical procedures, or providing orthotic devices to improve foot function and alleviate pain.
Foot and Nail Care: Podiatrists offer routine foot care services such as trimming toenails, managing corns and calluses, and addressing ingrown toenails. They are skilled in managing foot conditions associated with chronic diseases like diabetes, where foot ulcers and neuropathy are common.
Biomechanical Analysis: Podiatrists analyze the structure and movement of the feet and lower limbs to identify abnormalities or imbalances that may contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or gait abnormalities. They may recommend orthotics, footwear modifications, or exercises to improve foot function and alleviate pain.
Sports Injury Management: Podiatrists play a vital role in managing foot and lower limb injuries in athletes. They assess and treat conditions like Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, sprained ankles, and shin splints. They may also provide advice on footwear selection, training techniques, and injury prevention strategies.
Education and Preventive Care: Podiatrists educate patients on proper foot care practices, including hygiene, footwear selection, and injury prevention. They offer guidance on managing chronic foot conditions and help patients understand the importance of foot health in maintaining overall well-being.
By providing specialized care for the feet and lower limbs, podiatrists contribute to improved mobility, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life for their patients. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and primary care physicians, to deliver comprehensive and integrated care.
PediFix: Here to Make Every Step Comfortable
At PediFix, we’re proud to offer our Podiatrists’ Choice® line of products. And, like podiatrists, these products offer effective solutions and relief for a number of conditions.
Let’s Begin with Bunion
Bunions are one of the most common ailments seen by podiatrists. Pain from a bunion range from occasionally annoying to chronic, debilitating pain.
What Causes Bunions
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the big toe pushes against the adjacent toe, causing the joint to become misaligned and protrude. The exact cause of bunions is not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to their development:
Genetics: Bunions tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Certain foot structures and inherited structural abnormalities can increase the likelihood of developing bunions.
Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow shoes, particularly those with high heels, can contribute to the formation of bunions. These types of shoes place excessive pressure on the toes, pushing them together and forcing the big toe joint out of alignment.
Foot Mechanics: Certain foot abnormalities, such as flat feet, excessive pronation (inward rolling of the foot), or abnormal foot arches, can place additional stress on the joint at the base of the big toe. Over time, this can lead to the development of a bunion.
Arthritis: In some cases, arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, can contribute to the development of bunions. Arthritic conditions can cause inflammation and damage to the joint, leading to deformities such as bunions.
Injury or Trauma: Injury to the foot or a previous trauma, such as a fracture, can disrupt the normal alignment of the big toe joint and increase the risk of developing a bunion.
It’s important to note that wearing tight shoes or high heels alone may not directly cause bunions, but they can exacerbate an existing condition or increase the risk for susceptible individuals. Treatment for bunions typically involves a combination of conservative measures such as wearing properly fitting shoes and using orthotic devices, padding, or splints to relieve symptoms and prevent further progression. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the joint and alleviate pain.
PediFix bunion care products prevent friction, help maintain proper toe alignment, and relieve pressure.
PediFix Podiatrists’ Choice Bunion Relievers soft, durable rubber spacers separate big and second toes to help maintain proper alignment, prevent friction, and relieve pressure on sore bunions. -Separate & Align Crooked Toes -Relieve Irritation Between Toes -Reduce Pressure on Bunion Joint -Make Shoes Comfortable.
Help for Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a foot deformity characterized by an abnormal bend in one or more of the smaller toes, typically the second, third, or fourth toe. The condition gets its name from the hammer-like appearance of the affected toe, as it bends upward at the middle joint and points downward at the end, resembling the shape of a hammer.
Hammertoe usually develops gradually over time and can be caused by various factors, including muscle imbalances, poorly fitting shoes, foot injuries, or certain medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. High heels and narrow, tight shoes can contribute to the development of hammertoe by forcing the toes into unnatural positions.
The symptoms of hammertoe may include pain, discomfort, or aching in the affected toe, especially when wearing shoes or walking. Corns or calluses may also form at the top of the bent toe or at the tip, due to friction and pressure from footwear.
Treatment options for hammertoe depend on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical measures may include wearing shoes with a roomy toe box, using protective padding to alleviate pressure, performing toe exercises to strengthen and stretch the toe muscles, or using orthotic devices to correct foot alignment. If conservative methods fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered to straighten the toe and realign the tendons.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for hammertoe. They can provide personalized recommendations based on the specific circumstances and severity of the condition.
Straighten Out and Step Right
PediFix Podiatrists’ Choice Toe Straightener reduces pain and friction associated with crooked, overlapping, and flexible hammer toes.
-Aligns Crooked, Overlapping, and Hammer Toes -Reduces Rubbing Between Toes -Soft Cushion Protects Ball-of-Foot
If you need to resolve more than one crooked toe, try PediFix® Podiatrists’ Choice® Double Toe Straightener and PediFix Podiatrists’ Choice Triple Toe Straightener
On the Ball
PediFix Podiatrists’ Choice Ball-of-Foot Cushion protects the forefoot and helps relieve and prevent pain and calluses. Absorbs shock and reduces friction. Soft, double-layer foam pad stays securely in place with a comfortable toe loop.
Hand-sewn nylon cover for extra durability. Great for thin-soled footwear.
PediFix Podiatrists’ Choice Ball-of-Foot Cushion is Interchangeable for right or left foot. -Prevents Painful Calluses -Protects Sensitive Area -Absorbs Pressure, Friction & Shock -Durable Nylon Cover -Dual Layers of Soft, Protective Foam.
Tip-Toe
PediFix Podiatrists’ Choice Nylon-Covered Toe Cap surrounds toes with soft foam to relieve discomfort from corns, ingrown nails, blisters, and other problems.
-Protects Toe Tips -Relieves Corns and Ingrown Nails -Relief Guaranteed
-Effective for Weeks.
Callus Care
Foot calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop on the feet, typically on the soles or areas subject to repeated pressure or friction. They form as a protective response to excessive rubbing or irritation. Calluses can vary in size and may appear yellowish or grayish in color.
Calluses are commonly found on weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heels, balls of the feet, or along the sides. They can be caused by various factors, including wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive walking or running, abnormal foot mechanics, or certain foot deformities.
While calluses themselves are usually not painful, they can become uncomfortable if they increase in size or thickness. In some cases, they may lead to other foot problems such as corns or ulcers if not properly managed.
Treatment for foot calluses typically involves relieving the pressure or friction that caused their formation. This can be done through self-care measures such as using pumice stones or foot files to gently remove the thickened skin, applying moisturizers to keep the skin soft, using cushioning pads or insoles to reduce pressure, and wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support and padding.
For severe or persistent calluses, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist. They can provide more targeted treatments, such as trimming the callus, prescribing medicated creams or patches, or recommending orthotic devices to address any underlying foot issues.
Prevention is key to managing foot calluses. It’s important to wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes, keep the feet clean and moisturized, and address any foot abnormalities or gait problems promptly. Regular foot care and maintenance can help keep calluses at bay and promote overall foot health.
Hydrate and exfoliate in one step with PediFix Podiatrists’ Choice Callus Control Cream. Penetrates calluses and thick, hard skin to produce soft, smooth feet that look and feel healthy.
-Keeps feet soft, smooth & healthy looking
-Doctor recommended for rough, dry, cracked heels.
PediFix is a unique, 4th generation medical foot care company with products that specialists use and recommend most to their patients. Our purpose has always been to bring you the best available foot care products so our customers can lead a happy, healthy life free from foot, hip, knee, and lower back pain. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and carefully select the finest materials to bring you unmatched comfort and support. Whether you suffer from Achilles tendonitis, Bunions, Corns, Plantar Fasciitis, or just dry skin, we can help!