Podiatrists are medical specialists who help with problems that affect your feet or lower legs. They can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. You might hear them called a podiatric physician or doctor of podiatric medicine.
When should you see a podiatrist?
If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc. —a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.
What does a podiatrist do on first visit?
On your first visit, the podiatrist will obtain a thorough medical history to help identify possible areas of concern that may lead to or worsen foot and leg problems. Be prepared with any important medical records and information on the following: Current medical problems, medications and allergies. Past surgeries.
Why do diabetics need to see a podiatrist?
All people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year by a doctor or podiatrist. This is important to detect problems early and to prevent ulcers and other complications. You may have heard it said that diabetes causes gangrene (dead, black tissue).
Why do diabetics need to check their feet?
A diabetic foot exam checks people with diabetes for these problems, which include infection, injury, and bone abnormalities. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, and poor circulation (blood flow) are the most common causes of diabetic foot problems.
Is it worth seeing a podiatrist?
If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc. —a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.
What is the role of a podiatrist in diabetes?
A podiatrist is an important part of your diabetes health care team. Podiatrists are specifically trained to assess the nerve damage in your feet, identify your specific foot health risks, and help you come up with a treatment and prevention plan.
What are signs of diabetic feet?
– Changes in skin color.
– Changes in skin temperature.
– Swelling in the foot or ankle.
– Pain in the legs.
– Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
– Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
– Corns or calluses.
– Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.
How do I prepare for a podiatrist visit?
Make a list of your symptoms and questions. Make a list of all medications and any previous surgeries. Gather and bring important medical records and laboratory test reports from other doctors or hospitals (including X-rays, MRIs, and lab results). Check with your insurance provider to see if a referral is needed.
DO orthopedic doctors treat feet?
Both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, surgically and non-surgically. In general, the best bet is to choose the doctor you feel the most comfortable with, or who has the most experience treating your particular condition.
What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?
Peripheral neuropathy It’s the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night, and may include: Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.
When should a diabetic see a podiatrist?
All diabetic patients should have a podiatrist. On your initial exam, your podiatrist will tell you if you are at low or high risk for complications in your feet. Generally speaking, a diabetic patient that has good ciruculation and no neurologic deficit (numbness/burning/tingling) can be seen on an annual basis.
Do podiatrists treat diabetic feet?
Foot care for people with diabetes All people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year by a doctor or podiatrist. This is important to detect problems early and to prevent ulcers and other complications.
What do Podiatrists do for diabetics?
As part of your care team, a podiatrist can also teach you how to check your feet and take care of them at home. For people with diabetes, having a podiatrist as part of your health care team may reduce the risk of amputation and other serious complications.
How often should diabetics check their own feet?
Take care of your diabetes Work with your health care provider to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Get regular diabetic foot exams. You should get your feet checked at least once a year, and more often if you or your provider finds a problem. Check your feet every day.
How often should a diabetic see a foot doctor?
According to the Mayo Clinic and the American Diabetes Association, diabetic patients ought to visit the foot doctor once a year for a full foot examination. In addition to this annual appointment, patients should regularly inspect feet for cuts, blisters and sores that can quickly lead to infections.
What medical specialist treats and cares for the feet?
What Does a Podiatrist Do? Podiatrists are medical specialists who help with problems that affect your feet or lower legs. They can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. You might hear them called a podiatric physician or doctor of podiatric medicine.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic doctor?
Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work side by side in hospitals and in the same group practices. The main difference lies in the body systems they treat. Orthopedic surgeons are concerned with bones, muscles, ligaments and joints throughout the body. … Podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors and surgeons.
What is better a podiatrist or orthopedist?
As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it’s best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it’s best to see an orthopedic physician.
What happens at your first podiatry appointment?
On your first visit, the podiatrist will obtain a thorough medical history to help identify possible areas of concern that may lead to or worsen foot and leg problems. Be prepared with any important medical records and information on the following: Current medical problems, medications and allergies. Past surgeries.
Why do diabetics have problems with their feet?
Symptoms and signs of diabetic foot problems arise due to the decreased sensation from nerve damage as well as the lack of oxygen delivery to the feet caused by vascular disease. People with diabetes have an increased risk of ulcers and damage to the feet.