Relationship between Chiropodist and feet
Relationship between Chiropodist and feet
You need your feet for your whole life; therefore, you must see a specialized care provider that can keep your feet healthy. A chiropodist can do just that. The human foot has 33 joints, 26 bones and over 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles. With an estimated 300 or more possible ailments for the foot alone, it is almost impossible for a general practitioner to diagnose and care for the feet.
A Chiropodist (pronounced : ‘ker-ro-po-dist’) is a primary health care provider, described as a foot and ankle specialist, who provides a variety of medical services ranging from nail and skin care to orthotics and in-office surgeries. Chiropodists are medical professionals that treat and maintain the health of your feet and ankles. They can care for minor ailments such as heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, as well as more serious issues including sprains, infections or fractures. Chiropodists are key members of the foot health care team representing the largest number of foot specialists in Ontario.
Chiropodists are recognized and regulated health professionals that play a key role in the health of individuals and the Ontario populations. Chiropodists will assess and provide treatment including management of acute and chronic conditions. They also play a role in the prevention of injury and disability and in promoting foot health and wellbeing. Chiropody is a field of medicine that focuses on preventing, assessing and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle by medical, surgical or palliative means.
What Does A Chiropodist Do?
- Treat individuals with specific health issues like arthritis, diabetes and sports injuries
- Prescribe patients with necessary medications to treat ailments of the foot or ankle
- Prescribe therapies for treatment
- Diagnose and treat fractures, deformities, tumors, ulcers, and skin or nail diseases
Why You May Need A Chiropodist?
There are health professionals out there that offer care for the feet and ankles, including general practitioners or alternative medicine providers. These professionals are only trained in the basics of foot and ankle care. A chiropodist receives years of extensive training focusing on the foot and ankle region. Alternative medicine providers or wellness practitioners don’t have the capacity to prescribe certain orthotics either.
Chiropodists will have much better training and in the diagnosis, adjustment, troubleshooting of prescribing for all things involved for your feet; including custom orthotics.
Because the foot and ankle region is so complex, it is important to seek advice from a professional with focused training. If you notice pain, swelling or discomfort in your feet or ankles, a chiropodist can determine and treat the issue for long-term relief.