Podiatry is a branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.
Podiatrists are medical specialists who are trained to address a wide range of conditions, from common issues like ingrown toenails to more complex ailments such as diabetic foot complications, and sports injuries.
Podiatrists use various techniques, including biomechanical assessments and gait analysis, to understand the root cause of foot pain or dysfunction. They provide treatments ranging from physical therapies and custom orthotics to surgical interventions when necessary. They also play a vital role in diabetic foot care by helping to prevent complications like ulcers and amputations.
Overall, podiatry focuses on maintaining and improving foot health to support overall mobility and quality of life.
What are the common foot problems?
Podiatrists can treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems, including:
Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue band connecting the heel bone to the toes, causing heel pain.
Bunions: A bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing pain and discomfort.
Ingrown Toenails: A condition where the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and possible infection.
Heel Spurs: Calcium deposits causing a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis.
Corns and Calluses: Thickened areas of skin that develop as a result of friction or pressure, often found on the toes or soles of the feet.
Athlete’s Foot: A fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, causing itching, burning, and scaling.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus): A condition where the arches of the feet are flattened, which may lead to foot pain or fatigue.
Diabetic Foot Complications: Issues such as ulcers, infections, and neuropathy requiring special care to prevent serious outcomes, like amputations.
Morton’s Neuroma: A painful condition affecting the digital nerve endings of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes, due to nerve tissue thickening.
Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, usually resulting from overuse or injury.
Podiatrists also address toenail fungus, foot and ankle injuries, and various skin problems like warts and blisters. They provide custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and preventive care to manage or alleviate chronic foot conditions.
Foot problems can pose significant risks, especially when left untreated or in patients with underlying health conditions such as diabetes. Some key risks associated with foot issues include:
Reduced Mobility: Foot pain and deformities can make walking or standing difficult, limiting a person’s ability to engage in everyday activities. This can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and a decline in overall fitness and health.
Chronic Pain: Conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or bunions can lead to ongoing discomfort that impacts quality of life. Over time, this may also affect posture and put additional stress on other parts of the body, such as the knees and lower back.
Infections: Issues like ingrown toenails or diabetic ulcers can become infected if not properly managed. People with diabetes are at higher risk of severe infections due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage, which may prevent them from feeling injuries or sores.
Amputation: In severe cases, particularly among diabetics, untreated foot ulcers or infections can lead to gangrene, necessitating partial or full amputation. Preventive foot care is crucial for managing these risks.
Impact on Other Joints: Poor foot mechanics or abnormalities like flat feet can lead to overcompensation by other parts of the body, contributing to knee, hip, or back problems.
Circulatory Issues: Poor circulation, especially in conditions like peripheral artery disease, can slow the healing of foot injuries and increase the risk of developing sores or ulcers.
Why Choose Podiatrist Treatment at Reem Hospital, Abu Dhabi?
Choosing podiatry treatment at Reem Hospital in Abu Dhabi offers several key advantages, especially if you’re seeking personalized, empathetic care for your foot and lower limb conditions:
Comprehensive and Personalized Care: Reem Hospital’s podiatry department is dedicated to understanding the unique needs of each patient. They offer tailored treatment plans that address specific foot issues, ensuring optimal outcomes. From customized orthotics to advanced wound care, each patient’s plan is developed based on a thorough assessment.
Empathetic Approach: The medical team at Reem Hospital prioritizes patient comfort and well-being. Their empathetic care model emphasizes listening to patients’ concerns and providing clear, compassionate communication throughout the treatment journey. This patient-centred approach helps in building trust and ensuring a positive experience.
Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Techniques: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Reem Hospital ensures accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for a wide range of podiatric conditions. This includes the use of innovative methods for managing chronic conditions like diabetic foot complications and offering preventive care to mitigate serious risks.
Opting for podiatric care at Reem Hospital means receiving expert attention in a supportive and modern healthcare environment. Our team is committed to enhancing mobility and improving overall quality of life through specialized foot care
Reem Hospital in Abu Dhabi offers comprehensive podiatric care that targets various foot and lower limb issues, emphasizing a personalized and empathetic approach. Here are the key types of treatments provided:
Custom-made insoles and orthopedic shoes are designed to manage deformities like pes planus (flat feet) and valgus conditions, improving posture and comfort.
Management of foot complications caused by diabetes, including regular monitoring and care of neuropathy, to prevent ulcers and infections.
Assessment and treatment of abnormal walking patterns, often using state-of-the-art equipment to restore and optimize movement.
Specialized care for foot wounds to prevent complications, especially in diabetic patients.
To reduce foot and leg pain caused by chronic conditions or injuries.
Custom-made insoles and orthopedic shoes are designed to manage deformities like pes planus (flat feet) and valgus conditions, improving posture and comfort.
Management of foot complications caused by diabetes, including regular monitoring and care of neuropathy, to prevent ulcers and infections.
Assessment and treatment of abnormal walking patterns, often using state-of-the-art equipment to restore and optimize movement.
Specialized care for foot wounds to prevent complications, especially in diabetic patients.
To reduce foot and leg pain caused by chronic conditions or injuries.
Dr. Rahaf Wagdy is an Egyptian nuclear radiologist and medical content creator who merges her clinical expertise with digital creativity. With over five years of experience in medical content writing in both Arabic and English, she is dedicated to simplifying...
Mahvish Akram is a Specialist Podiatrist at Reem Hospital, focusing on diabetic foot care and musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb. Originally from England, she earned her BSc in Podiatric Medicine from the University of Huddersfield and gained valuable experience...
What is the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist?
The terms “chiropodist” and “podiatrist” essentially refer to the same profession: specialists who diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and lower limbs. However, there are some differences in usage and perception:
Regional Differences: The term “chiropodist” is older and still used in the United Kingdom and some other countries. “Podiatrist” is more widely used in the United States and has gradually become the preferred term globally to reflect modern medical practices.
Scope of Practice: Historically, chiropodists were seen as professionals focusing on more general foot care, such as treating corns, calluses, and minor nail issues. In contrast, the term “podiatrist” today often indicates a specialist who can provide a broader range of medical and surgical treatments, including advanced care for diabetic foot complications, sports injuries, and foot deformities.
Professional Training: In many countries, podiatry training has evolved to include more comprehensive medical and surgical education, and practitioners are often required to hold advanced degrees. The distinction has been made to emphasize the medical advancement of the field.
In many places, the distinction between chiropody and podiatry has diminished, and the terms are often used interchangeably, especially in countries where “podiatrist” is now the official designation for foot health specialists.
Does a podiatrist cut toenails?
Yes, podiatrists do cut toenails, especially for patients who have difficulty doing so themselves or when there are medical concerns that make proper nail care crucial. This is particularly important for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or other conditions that increase the risk of foot complications. Podiatrists ensure that toenails are trimmed correctly to prevent issues like ingrown toenails, infections, or wounds.
They may also address nail problems such as thickened nails, fungal infections, or other abnormalities that require specialized treatment. In general, podiatrists provide comprehensive nail care as part of maintaining overall foot health, especially for high-risk patients.
What kind of doctor should I see for swollen feet?
For swollen feet, you should first see a primary care physician (PCP), who can evaluate your overall health and determine the underlying cause of the swelling. Depending on the cause, your PCP might refer you to a cardiologist (for heart-related issues), a nephrologist (for kidney-related concerns), an endocrinologist (for diabetes or thyroid issues), or a podiatrist (for foot-specific problems). If the swelling is severe or accompanied by pain, redness, or heat, it may be helpful to seek care sooner.
Can a podiatrist fix heel pain?
Yes, a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat heel pain. Heel pain is often caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or Achilles tendinitis. A podiatrist can provide treatments such as:
Custom orthotics or shoe inserts to alleviate pressure
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Physical therapy recommendations
In some cases, surgical options if conservative treatments don’t work
what is podiatric nail surgery?
Podiatric nail surgery is a procedure performed by a podiatrist to treat various nail-related conditions that cannot be resolved with conservative treatments. The most common reasons for podiatric nail surgery include:
1. Ingrown toenails: When the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and infection. The procedure may involve removing part or all of the affected nail and sometimes the tissue around it to prevent the nail from growing back improperly.
2. Nail deformities: If a toenail is severely deformed due to trauma, fungal infection, or other issues, surgery might be performed to remove or correct the nail.
3. Nail infections: Persistent infections that don’t respond to antibiotics may require surgical intervention to remove infected tissue or the nail itself.
4. Onychomycosis: Severe fungal nail infections may lead to the removal of the infected nail, especially if antifungal treatments are ineffective.
Podiatric nail surgery is typically done under local anesthesia, and recovery time varies based on the specific procedure performed. The goal is to relieve pain, improve the nail’s appearance, and prevent recurrence of the issue.
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