Consult Podiatrists Online (3 doctors)

Podiatry

Apollo 24|7 makes it easy to book an appointment with top podiatrists online or via phone. Our experienced podiatry specialists are available at convenient times to help you manage foot and ankle conditions. With trusted hospitals and clinics across the country, you can access quality podiatric care wherever you are. Don't let foot problems hold you back – book your consultation with a skilled podiatrist at Apollo 24|7 today and take the first step towards healthier, pain-free feet.

What is Podiatry?

Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. This speciality plays a crucial role in healthcare by addressing the variety of conditions that can affect these parts of the body, which are essential for maintaining mobility and leading an active lifestyle. It is particularly relevant for people with diabetes and the elderly, as these groups are prone to complications that can be mitigated with proper podiatric care. 

Podiatry helps improve quality of life through the management of foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel pain, and various deformities, ensuring that individuals can walk and perform daily activities more comfortably and safely.

Who is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional specialising in the treatment of the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. To practice podiatry, one must undertake specialised training and education, usually culminating in a degree in Podiatric Medicine followed by further clinical training. Podiatrists are skilled in diagnosing and treating conditions such as flat feet, arthritis, sports injuries, and diabetes-related complications, among others.

They play a vital role in preventive care, therapeutic care, and surgical interventions to correct or improve foot and lower limb problems, thereby enhancing patient mobility and overall health. Their expertise is essential in managing complex foot and ankle conditions that can have a significant impact on a person’s overall well-being.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional specialising in the care of the feet, ankles, and the lower limbs. The role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities aimed at improving patient mobility, alleviating pain, and treating a variety of foot-related conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Diagnosis: Podiatrists conduct thorough examinations of the foot and lower limb to identify issues. They use clinical testing techniques and imaging studies such as X-rays and MRIs to diagnose conditions accurately.

• Treatment Planning: Based on the diagnosis, they develop comprehensive treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, exercises, or surgical options to effectively address the patient's specific needs.

• Surgical Interventions: For more severe conditions, podiatrists perform surgeries such as bunion removal or corrections for deformities and injuries.

• Preventive Care: They provide guidance and treatments to prevent foot ailments, especially for patients with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis who are at higher risk of foot complications.

• Routine Care: This includes the management of toenail disorders, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. They also provide orthotic recommendations to correct foot posture.

• Patient Education: Educating patients on foot care is vital, especially for those managing long-term ailments. Podiatrists teach their patients how to maintain healthy feet and prevent future problems.

The daily activities of a podiatrist involve direct patient care, detailed record-keeping, and ongoing education to stay updated with the latest advancements in podiatric medicine. They work in various settings, including hospitals, private clinics, and sports facilities, providing essential care that contributes significantly to enhancing patients' quality of life.

What are the Other Sub-specialities of Podiatry?

Podiatry encompasses several sub-specialities, each focusing on different aspects of foot and ankle care. Understanding these can help you appreciate the breadth of this medical field and identify the right type of foot doctor or specialist for your needs.

• Podiatric Surgery: This sub-speciality involves surgical interventions to correct foot and ankle deformities and repair injuries. Procedures can range from simple bunion removals to complex reconstructions.

• Sports Medicine: Focused on the treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries, this area helps athletes maintain optimal foot health and performance. Common issues include sprains, stress fractures, and tendonitis.

• Diabetic Foot Care: Specialised care is crucial for diabetic patients to manage the risk of foot ulcers and infections. This sub-speciality aims to prevent serious complications through regular monitoring and maintenance.

• Paediatric Podiatry: This area focuses on foot problems in children, from birth defects like clubfoot to common issues such as flat feet or walking abnormalities.

• Geriatric Podiatry: As people age, they face unique foot challenges. Geriatric podiatrists specialise in treating conditions prevalent in elderly patients, such as arthritis and gait disturbances.

• Orthotics and Prosthetics: Podiatrists in this field design and fit orthotic devices and prosthetics to support or replace areas of the foot and lower limb, enhancing mobility and reducing pain.

• Biomechanics: This involves the study of movement and mechanics of the feet. Specialists in biomechanics assess walking patterns and alignment to customise treatment plans, often using orthotics.

• Wound Care: Specialists in this area manage chronic or complex foot wounds, often stemming from diabetes or vascular issues. Effective wound care is critical to prevent infections and promote healing.

• Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation: After injury or surgery, rehabilitation is key to restoring function and mobility. A foot and ankle specialist guides patients through exercises and therapies to achieve optimal recovery.

• Dermatology of the Foot: This sub-speciality deals with skin disorders of the foot, including fungal infections, warts, and dermatitis. A heel pain doctor or ingrown toenail doctor also frequently addresses these common conditions, providing targeted treatments to relieve discomfort and improve foot health.

What are the Podiatry Examinations or Tests Performed by the Podiatrist?

Podiatrists utilise a variety of examinations and tests to diagnose foot and ankle conditions accurately. Understanding these diagnostic tools can help patients know what to expect when they book podiatrist appointments.

• Physical Examination: The initial step in any podiatric assessment, the physical exam involves visually inspecting the foot for abnormalities, checking for swelling or discolouration, and palpating (touching) to identify areas of tenderness or pain.

• Gait Analysis: This test involves observing the patient's walking pattern to identify issues with alignment or movement that may be causing pain or increasing the risk of injury.

• X-rays: Commonly used to view the internal structure of the foot and ankle, X-rays help diagnose fractures, deformities, or arthritis. They provide critical information about bone health and alignment.

• MRI Scans: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers a more detailed view of the foot's soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which are not visible on X-rays.

• CT Scans: Computed Tomography (CT) scans combine multiple X-ray images to create a comprehensive three-dimensional view, useful for diagnosing complex bone fractures and joint problems.

• Ultrasound: Podiatrists use ultrasound imaging to assess soft tissue structures around the foot and ankle. This test is instrumental in diagnosing issues like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.

• Biomechanical Assessments: These assessments evaluate the strength, flexibility, and alignment of the feet and legs. Biomechanical evaluations are crucial for designing custom orthotics and for sports-related issues.

• Neurological and Vascular Assessments: These tests help determine the neurological (nerve) and vascular (blood flow) health of the feet, essential for patients with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease to prevent complications.

Each of these tests provides valuable insights, enabling podiatrists to develop effective treatment plans tailored to the patient's specific needs.

What are the Common Conditions & Diseases that Podiatrists Treat?

Podiatrists specialise in managing a range of foot-related conditions and diseases. Here are the top 15 conditions they commonly treat:

1. Plantar Fasciitis - Inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, causing heel pain.

2. Bunions - Bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe.

3. Ingrown Toenails - Nails that have grown into the skin, causing pain and infection.

4. Diabetic Neuropathy - Nerve damage caused by diabetes that leads to numbness and can increase the risk of foot ulcers.

5. Hammertoes - Deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes, causing them to bend at the middle joint.

6. Corns and Calluses - Thickened skin from friction or pressure, often on the toes or soles of the feet.

7. Athlete’s Foot - Fungal infection that usually begins between the toes.

8. Heel Spurs - Bone growth on the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis.

9. Ankle Sprain - Overstretching or tearing of the ankle ligaments.

10. Achilles Tendinitis - Overuse injury causing pain along the back of the leg near the heel.

11. Flat Feet - Lack of arches in the feet, leading to pain and mobility issues.

12. Arthritis - Inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints.

13. Metatarsalgia - Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.

14. Warts - Growth caused by a viral infection in the top layer of skin, typically appearing on the sole.

15. Fungal Nail Infections - Fungi infecting the nails, making them discoloured, thick, and more likely to crack and break.

These conditions range from minor irritations to serious health concerns, particularly in patients with underlying health issues like diabetes.

Reasons to See a Podiatrist

Visiting a podiatrist is essential when experiencing foot pain, deformities, or complications from diseases like diabetes. Here are some key reasons to seek their expertise:

• Persistent Pain - Pain that does not improve over time.

• Injury - Acute or repetitive injuries like sprains or fractures.

• Skin Issues - Infections, warts, or persistent dryness and cracking.

• Systemic Disease Complications - Managing foot health in relation to diabetes and arthritis.

• Preventative Care - To maintain foot health, especially if engaged in regular sporting activities or on your feet often.

If you suspect any issues with your feet, considering an online podiatrist consultation can be a convenient and effective step towards better health.

What Types of Procedures do Podiatrists Perform?

Podiatrists are equipped to perform a variety of therapeutic and surgical procedures to treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower limb. Here's a breakdown of the top therapies and surgeries commonly carried out by these specialists:

Top Therapies

1. Orthotic Therapy - Custom shoe inserts designed to correct foot posture and alleviate pain.

2. Cryotherapy - The use of extreme cold to treat skin lesions and warts on the feet.

3. Physical Therapy - Exercises and treatments to improve foot and ankle function, reduce pain, and prevent disability.

4. Laser Therapy - Uses laser light to reduce pain and inflammation and to stimulate healing of various foot conditions.

5. Injection Therapy - Injections, including corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

6. Ultrasound Therapy - High-frequency sound waves used to treat deep tissue injuries by promoting cell repair and reducing inflammation.

7. Hydrotherapy - Water-based treatments to improve circulation and relieve pain.

Top Surgeries

1. Bunion Surgery - Corrects the alignment of the toe joint that is affected by a bunion.

2. Hammertoe Correction - Surgical realignment of a bent toe caused by muscle imbalance.

3. Metatarsal Surgery - Involves shortening, lengthening, or straightening the bones in the forefoot to relieve pain and improve foot function.

4. Heel Spur Removal - Surgical removal of a bony growth on the heel bone.

5. Achilles Tendon Repair - Surgery to repair the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel.

6. Plantar Fascia Release - Involves cutting part of the plantar fascia ligament to relieve tension and reduce inflammation.

7. Ankle Arthroscopy - Minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat joint problems in the ankle.

Each procedure, whether therapeutic or surgical, aims to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve the quality of life for patients. While considering these procedures, understanding the podiatrist fee associated with each treatment can help in planning and decision-making.

Why Choose an Apollo 24|7 Podiatrist?

Podiatrists at Apollo 24|7 are highly qualified and experienced in treating a wide range of foot and lower limb disorders. Patients receive tailored treatment plans based on their specific needs and conditions, with access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for comprehensive care. 

Apollo 24|7 offers seamless access to consultations, allowing patients to book appointments online or through the Apollo 24|7 application for convenient and timely consultations both online and in-clinic.

What to Expect When Visiting a Podiatrist?

When you visit a podiatrist, you can expect a thorough assessment tailored to diagnose and treat any foot-related issues. Here's a brief overview of what typically happens during a podiatry consultation:

• Initial Assessment: Your podiatrist will review your medical history and symptoms. This includes questions about any previous foot problems and general health concerns.

• Physical Examination: The specialist will physically examine your feet and ankles, checking for abnormalities, and may observe your gait to assess how you walk or run.

• Diagnostic Tests: Depending on your symptoms, further diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRIs might be suggested to get a clearer picture of your condition.

• Treatment Plan: After diagnosing the issue, the podiatrist will discuss treatment options with you. These might range from conservative treatments, such as orthotics or medications, to more advanced interventions like surgery.

• Follow-up: A follow-up plan will be established to monitor progress and make adjustments to the treatment as necessary.

Choosing the right specialist is crucial, so consider looking at podiatrist reviews to ensure you receive the best care. If you need immediate foot care, searching for a podiatrist near me can help you find qualified professionals in your area.

How Can I Get an Appointment With a Podiatrist?

To book an appointment with a podiatrist at Apollo 24|7, you can:

• Visit the Apollo 24|7 website and select the "Book Appointment" option. Choose "Podiatrist" from the list of specialities, and follow the prompts to select a convenient date and time for your consultation.

• Download the Apollo 24|7 application on your smartphone and log in or create an account. Navigate to the "Book Appointment" section, select "Podiatrist," and choose your preferred date and time for the consultation.

• Call the Apollo 24|7 helpline to speak with a representative who can assist you in booking an appointment with a podiatrist at your nearest Apollo clinic.