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Podiatrist
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Podiatry is a branch of medicine that studies the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the foot and ankle.
Podiatry is aimed at studying the lower extremities: it examines the tissues and organs they consist of. It includes such branches of science as:
- osteology is the science that studies bone tissue,
- myology is a branch of medicine that studies muscles,
- phlebology – studies the venous system,
- angiology - study of the vascular system,
- neurology - studies the functioning of the peripheral nerves of the extremities,
- dermatology – studies the skin,
- lymphology - the science of the lymphatic system,
- biomechanics - studies the principle of mobility of bone joints,
- Biotribology is a science that describes the processes of friction, wear, and lubrication during friction that occur in living organisms.
Podiatry studies the relationships between these branches of science to determine the conditions that individual systems and organs need for the most effective functioning of the lower limbs. The legs are a dynamic structure with which we can move. They are designed in such a way that moving from one place to another is not a big burden on the body, compared to standing. We can walk for hours and not feel discomfort, but when we have to stand in one place, after a few minutes, a feeling of fatigue appears.
The period of pregnancy is very important for the development of the lower limbs. The first leg embryos develop in the 4th - 5th week of fetal life. The embryos of the ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint and hip begin to form in the 8th week of embryonic development. The appearance of various pathologies during this period can disrupt the normal development of the limbs, which leads to deformation or change in the system, such as hip dysplasia.
The next difficult period for the development of legs is school, at this time acquired defects of the lower limbs can occur, for example, flat feet - transverse or longitudinal.
Bone deformations that accompany diseases such as neuropathies, diabetes, ischemia or chronic venous insufficiency lead to skin lesions in the form of calluses and corns. The skin begins to rebuild: anatomical changes and restoration of individual layers occur. As a result, keratinized areas appear where the skin is scraped and sclerosed.
Vascular diseases affecting the lower extremities are very common nowadays. Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of changes in the lower extremities is necessary because it allows for proper care of the extremities. Proper, professional care can only be provided by a highly qualified specialist.
Who is a podiatrist?
This is a specialist who is consulted by patients with problems of the lower extremities. A podiatrist, after a thorough assessment of the clinical condition of the lower extremities, selects an appropriate set of procedures and care products to reduce or eliminate pathological changes in the legs. A qualified doctor must recognize the problem, assess it, and in most cases, alone or with the participation of other specialists, help patients get rid of their leg problems. The doctor advises, gives instructions, applies adapted treatment plans, using various pharmaceutical products and orthopedic devices (splints, insoles).
Podiatric treatment is diverse in nature and requires professional knowledge of the doctor in the field of: diabetology, dermatology, surgery, orthopedics, wound care, orthopedic techniques, therapeutic massage and pedicure (used in the prevention and treatment of mycosis).
In podiatric offices, patients receive prevention, consultation and treatment for various foot diseases.
Very little is known about the profession of a podiatrist in Ukraine, while in other Western European countries this specialist has enjoyed considerable popularity in recent years. The largest number of visits to him are in Germany. The main task of a podiatrist is to maintain the health of the feet. At the moment when nothing bothers the patient, it is necessary to come to the doctor so that he can conduct a preventive examination. In cases where symptoms of the disease appear, it is necessary to perform procedures and use special treatment methods to improve health and reduce pain.
When should you see a podiatrist?
According to recent research, everyone over the age of thirty should visit a specialist at least once every 6-8 weeks to get a professional pedicure and a podiatrist consultation. Patients with diabetes should visit a doctor at least as often.
People with problems with ingrown toenails or painful calluses, anyone who feels discomfort or who has a genetic predisposition should consult a specialist.
Our skin and nails have special functions and to keep them in perfect order, it is necessary to take care of them constantly. Even the smallest crack in the skin can be the beginning of a more serious problem, which at later stages will require medical help. Remember that the choice of shoes, lifestyle and cosmetic procedures have a huge impact on the health of your feet. Healthy, moisturized skin becomes more elastic and is less injured.
What tests should you take when visiting a podiatrist?
- Blood test: general, biochemical, sugar, RW.
- Analysis of fungal nail infection (using microscopic and cultural studies to determine the type and nature of fungal infection)
Before you start taking tests, you need to consult a specialist. In each specific case, specific tests may be prescribed.
What does a podiatrist do?
Most people are unaware of the consequences of not treating and properly caring for their feet.
The greatest number of lower limb diseases are observed in people suffering from diabetes. In case of diabetic foot, treatment is not an easy task. Patients with the syndrome of "diabetic foot" should be provided with competent and professional medical care, and in particular podiatric care.
Another group consists of athletes who train a lot and intensively, often suffering from excessive sweating of the feet, deformed toes or ingrown nails.
Women who walk for long periods of time in heels in uncomfortable, narrow shoes have problems with their feet. They gradually develop various foot deformities, ingrown nails and "bumps" on their big toes.
Fortunately, with a wide range of preventive services and the availability of professional care using high-quality, innovative equipment, most of these problems can be completely or largely resolved in specialized podiatry clinics or offices.
Therapeutic foot massage and professional procedures that help to make patients' lives easier and better. The range of podiatrist services is not limited to:
- professional pedicure,
- treatment of ingrown nails affected by fungal infection (distorted and thickened),
- procedures performed in the horny epidermis,
- detection and removal of calluses and warts,
Considering that foot diseases are often associated with other diseases and the development of changes can lead to serious complications, it is necessary to work closely with other specialists, use knowledge in the use of various pharmaceutical products and assist in the implementation of medical recommendations regarding the foot care specialist.
What diseases does a podiatrist treat?
Provides assistance with the following diseases:
- skin lesions, plantar warts, fibromas and skin neoplasms;
- ingrown nails;
- Morton's neuroma (benign growth of the nerves of the foot);
- deformation and calluses of the foot;
- heel spurs;
- changes in the Achilles tendon;
- ankle injuries and sprains;
- fungal nails;
- treatment of pain syndromes associated with changes and degeneration of the joints of the foot;
- benign tumor (ganglion or hygroma ) of the foot;
- hallux valgus and gout of the foot;
- non-healing leg wounds.
Advice from a podiatrist
Gymnastics to strengthen the foot muscles.
These exercises help relieve tension and fatigue in the feet.
- I.P. sitting. Stretch your legs and tilt your feet away from you (3 times).
- I.p. as in the first point, tilt your feet towards you, left, right (we perform each movement 3 times)
- I.p. lying down. Circular rotations of the feet to the left and to the right (three times)
- The starting position remains the same. We try to spread our toes as much as possible (repeat three times).
- I.p. lying down. Legs are extended. Press your toes to the sole and hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat 3 times.
- We rise. We shake our right leg three times and the left one the same number of times.
Gymnastics is over.
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