Introduction
There are many different specialist subfields of medicine, and keeping track of them all can be difficult. One of the most frequently dismissed and ignored specialisms within medicine is podiatry, the study and treatment of medical issues relating to feet.
Podiatry is often neglected by patients, even when it might be vital for them to visit a specialist. In this article, we will look at the basics of podiatry and clear up some common misunderstandings about the field. So, if you have any questions about podiatry, read below to find out all you need to know about this area of medicine!
What Is Podiatry?
Podiatry is the medical discipline that studies and treats foot illnesses and abnormalities. This branch's health experts are responsible for diagnosing and treating various diseases and deformities utilizing podiatric treatment approaches or sending patients to the proper specialist.
The primary goal of a Podiatrist is to enhance their patients' mobility, independence, and quality of life. Podiatrists are taught to assist, prevent, diagnose, and treat foot issues. They can help patients to increase mobility and exercise, alleviate pain, and manage infections by addressing foot issues.
Podiatrists also play an essential role in several chronic illnesses, like diabetes, which can cause significant foot issues due to damage to blood vessels and nerves if not adequately supported and treated.
What Do Podiatrists Treat?
Podiatrists are trained to treat any issues that arise related to feet. That means injuries, verrucas, sprains and strains, and foot issues relating to chronic illnesses such as diabetes. If it is a problem with your feet, a podiatrist is the person who can fix it for you.
Podiatrists can also help with congenital foot problems such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis, diagnosing these issues and providing appropriate corrective insoles or medically supportive shoes. While some of these can be dealt with on your own, a podiatrist's services can help you be confident that you are getting the correct treatment to help with your particular issues.
In addition to this, podiatrists provide an essential service called gait analysis. Your gait refers to how you move your body when walking. An issue with how your body moves can cause pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back; if not treated, it will only cause these problems to get worse over time.
A gait analysis can help you discover and address complex and critical conditions. Different exams, such as a trained expert attentively examining how you walk or run, video analysis, and even more complex procedures, such as measuring the pressure on different regions of your foot while walking or running (foot pressure plate analysis), may be used in the evaluation.
Who Needs to See a Podiatrist?
Even if there is no discomfort, people of all ages should get their feet checked once a year. This is merely to ensure everything is in order and spot any problems early on. Think of it as a regular part of your annual medical checkups.
When your foot hurts, however, you should always consult a podiatrist. A podiatrist can assist people of all ages since issues can arise at any age. They are not just doctors for the elderly, despite popular perceptions of them as this!
If you have sore feet, cracks or scrapes in the skin, growths such as verrucas, scaling or peeling on the soles, or any other foot-related ailment, you should consult a podiatrist for guidance and treatment. Insoles, cushioning, and arch supports can also be provided by podiatrists to alleviate discomfort. This might assist in relieving pressure on sensitive parts of your foot.
Podiatrists can also help with injuries relating to the foot, such as sports injuries, damage to tendons, and anything else that may affect your feet. Athletes should have more regular checkups with a podiatrist, as their feet are essential, and they are more likely to get injured during everyday activities.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropractor?
There is no difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist. These are two different names for the same profession. However, podiatry is generally considered the more modern term, and you are increasingly more likely to see clinics referred to as being for podiatry rather than chiropodist clinics.
It is essential to be clear about the difference between a chiropodist and a chiropractor. A chiropodist is just another name for a podiatrist, while a chiropractor is a spine and back manipulator.
Chiropractors are not recommended by licensed medical professionals, and the risk of severe spinal injury from visiting a chiropractor is, unfortunately, moderately high. Chiropodists, however, are perfectly safe licensed medical professionals. It is confusing but essential!
Podiatry Billing and Medical Insurance
Many health insurance plans include full or partial coverage for podiatrist visits, particularly if medically necessary. The specifics of this can vary from one provider to another, so it is essential to check with your insurance provider before engaging with any podiatry billing systems.
Your insurance provider may only cover treatment from an authorized selection of podiatrists. If you use a podiatrist outside this list, your insurance may not hide it.
Many podiatry practices choose to get their podiatry billing services from Fortis, one of the largest and most effective billing companies out there. Outsourcing billing like this frees up administrative staff to focus on the day-to-day operation of the practice, allowing for a better standard of care and looking after patients more carefully.
Conclusion
Feet might not be the most glamorous part of the body, but they are essential and should be looked after. Podiatrists are dedicated to ensuring that your feet are in good working order, diagnosing and fixing problems, and helping to treat and manage long-term chronic conditions.
You should always visit a dedicated specialist when possible for your problems. If those problems are related to your feet, a podiatrist is the specialist you should see.
