In search of the perfect pedicure: who is a podiatrist and what does he do?

Podology – what is it?

To understand what podology is, it is necessary to understand the composition of this term. From the Greek, the word “podos” is translated as foot, and “logos” is teaching. It follows that podology is the science of the foot. Essentially, this is a branch of dermatology that deals with the treatment of diseases of the nail plates on the lower extremities, the study of the pathology of the skin of the feet and the increased function of the sweat glands of the legs.

According to Eastern healers, healthy feet are an indicator of overall health. In this regard, podology is becoming increasingly widespread. However, there are few such specialists, so making an appointment with this doctor takes several months. Podologists are employed only in large medical centers.

Podiatrist – who is he and what does he treat?

A podiatrist is a specialized medical specialist who deals with comprehensive foot care. The main task of such doctors is the timely detection and prevention of pathologies. Podologists are also actively developing new methods for preventing anatomical changes in the foot and its skin. By identifying pathology in the early stages, doctors help prevent the development of complications and eliminate discomfort and pain in the legs and feet.

Who is a podologist?

According to the medical reference book, podology is one of the branches of practical medicine, the main directions of which are solving problems with the feet. However, they can have different character and origin. Talking about what a podiatrist does and who he is, it should be noted that this specialist is able to solve a number of problems:

• pathologies of a dermatological nature;
• surgical foot disorders;
• foot diseases caused by pathologies of the endocrine system.

Taking these features into account, a podiatrist often acts as a link between specialized specialists. This is important when diagnosing diseases that simultaneously affect several organs and systems. Often, a specialist shares information and actively collaborates with doctors such as:

What does a podiatrist treat?

Even having previously heard about the profession of podiatrist, few know who and what kind of doctor he is, what he does. Doctors of this profile provide wide-ranging treatment. They are able to solve a number of problems related to the condition and health of the feet. Carrying out a medical pedicure, the podiatrist eliminates ingrown feet, removes corns and keratinized areas of the skin of the heels. In addition, patients can receive advice regarding excessive sweating of the feet and prosthetic nail plates.

Among other tasks of podiatrists:

1. Informing patients about proper foot care.
2. Individual selection of cosmetics and medications for foot care.
3. Elimination of side symptoms in diseases of the skeletal system, systemic diseases (diabetic foot).

In addition, a podiatrist can carry out a primary diagnosis and, if necessary, refer the patient to another specialist. Thus, the appearance of hard calluses in certain areas of the foot indicates an increased load on this area. This indicates damage to the musculoskeletal system.

The most common reasons for visiting a podiatrist

Fungal diseases of the feet in Russia alone affect 20% of the population. Every fifth person has a foot fungus. Symptoms in the initial stages of the disease are often unexpressed and erased. Without treatment, the process progresses, affecting new nail plates and skin, and then becomes chronic.

Foot fungus is an infectious disease, most often caused by dermatophytes. They account for more than 70% of cases of pathology development. Damage to the skin by yeast-like and mold fungi occurs much less frequently - in approximately 1.5% of cases. A podiatrist treats foot fungus.

The disease occurs for a number of reasons. Among them:

• Visiting public places: swimming pools, saunas, sports clubs and fitness centers.
• Intrafamily infection, if there is a sick person in the family who is avoiding treatment. Often these are elderly people. Therefore, you should not share towels, slippers or personal hygiene products.
• Reduced immunity. Because of it, the disease occurs more often in older people, and mainly in men.
• Neglect of hygiene rules, poor environmental conditions.
• Uncontrolled use of antibacterial agents, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, cytostatics.
• Improper lifestyle, presence of somatic diseases.
• Vascular pathologies.
• Diabetes.
• Skin injuries, including corns, calluses, hallux valgus, osteoarthritis.

Wearing tight shoes, visiting public places, weakened immunity, the presence of concomitant diseases and risk factors: diabetes, excess weight, pathologies of peripheral arteries and veins - all this leads to an increase in the frequency of foot injuries and the need for specialized care from a podiatrist - a highly specialized doctor.

A podiatrist is a specialist doctor who deals with foot diseases. The doctor's main specialization is fungal infections. But a podiatrist also treats a wide range of pathologies arising from traumatic, endocrine, surgical, vascular, dermatological, orthopedic disorders or concomitant diseases.

People most often consult a podiatrist if they have the following symptoms:

• change in the color and shape of the nail plates;
• feeling of pain when walking;
• peeling and thickening of the skin of the feet;
• the occurrence of painful cracks and an unpleasant odor.

If you have any of the listed signs, immediately contact the SM-Clinic podiatrists. They will prescribe a set of diagnostic procedures to identify the problem, as well as an adequate treatment regimen that will help prevent further development of the disease.

When do you need to see a podiatrist?

In most cases, patients are not familiar with the full list of forgery services. Many people know that a podiatrist can cure an ingrown toenail without surgical removal, but only a few people know what other problems can be addressed to this doctor. You can contact a specialist either independently or on the recommendation of a pedicurist or dermatologist. Talking about what a podiatrist does and who he is, it is necessary to highlight the following types of disorders that doctors of this profile struggle with:

• congenital nail pathologies, acquired deformities of the nail plates;
• formation of warts on the legs;
• fungal diseases of the skin and nail plates of the feet;
• formation of rough calluses;
• diabetic foot;
• formation of heel spurs;
• arthrosis of the ankle joint;
• deformation of the fingers as a result of injury or disease.

A visit to a podiatrist may also be recommended if you experience persistent pain in your legs. Their nature may be different. Aching, stabbing pain, a feeling of heaviness may indicate various pathologies. To accurately determine the cause, the doctor conducts an initial examination, after which he prescribes a series of examinations and tests.

When is it necessary to contact this specialist?

Naturally, each of us thinks about visiting a specialist’s office only when something hurts or begins to seriously bother us. Let’s look at the symptoms that signal the importance of visiting a podiatrist in more detail:

• Discomfort and pain in the foot, heel or toes at rest or during movement;
• Sudden pain syndromes – so-called “lumbago”;
• Cramps and short-term numbness in the feet or toes;
• Feeling of burning and itching in the area of ​​the legs, including in the area of ​​the nail plates;
• Frequent swelling and swelling of the legs;
• Appearing qualitative changes on the skin in the relevant area: cracks and wounds, ulcers, any neoplasms, thickening and/or change in skin color, corns, blisters and calluses, redness, spider veins and others;

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• Growths or neoplasms of an unknown nature on bone tissue;
• Appearing qualitative changes on the nail plates: cracks, delamination, ingrowth, deformation, pigmentation and others;
• Violation of the arch of the foot and previously discovered flat feet;
• Painful sensations in the joints;
• Crunching and clicking in the joints when bending the toes;
• Injuries to the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments or muscle tissue of the feet.

Another important reason to contact a podiatrist is the uneven “trampling” of shoes while wearing, which signals that the load on the legs while walking is distributed unevenly due to any changes in the body.

There are several categories of people who are more susceptible to foot problems and are therefore at risk. These include:

• Women and men who prefer to wear rather narrow “dress” shoes and neglect orthopedic insoles;
• Representatives of the fair sex who prefer high-heeled shoes (above 5 centimeters) and wear them regularly;

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• People who have a body weight that exceeds the norm, as well as those suffering from obesity;
• Patients suffering from diseases of the endocrine and/or vascular systems, as well as patients with diabetes;
• All people over 40 years of age;
• People who are professionally involved in sports, face heavy physical activity at work, or have frequent stress on their legs as a result of their work;
• Pregnant women (especially in the second and third trimester).

Sad and old: how stress wears out the body

Appointment with a podiatrist

The podologist's appointment begins with a conversation with the patient. During the dialogue, the specialist tries to collect a complete history and identify all the nuances down to the smallest detail. In this case, important attention is paid to the type of shoes and the correct size selection. After receiving sufficient information, the doctor begins to examine the patient's feet. This evaluates:

• condition of the skin;
• correct growth of nail plates;
• the presence of rough calluses on the plantar part, in the heel area.

How is an appointment with a podologist?

Often, patients are afraid to contact a specialist on their own because they have little idea what a podiatrist does. When visiting a doctor, the specialist begins the appointment with a conversation with the patient. The main goal is to obtain maximum information and listen to all complaints. This often helps make a primary diagnosis. Then the doctor begins to examine the patient’s feet and assess the condition of their skin. If necessary, a decision can be made to perform a correction, a so-called medical pedicure.

After a diagnostic examination, additional examinations and tests may be prescribed to obtain more information. Their results are taken into account when making a diagnosis and drawing up an individual treatment program for the patient. At the end of the consultation, the patient receives a list of prescriptions indicating the required medications, their dosages, frequency of administration and duration of treatment. If no deviations or violations are detected, the doctor gives recommendations on proper foot care.

What tests will the podologist prescribe?

The range of prescribed examinations and tests is directly determined by the type of pathology. Depending on what pathology the podiatrist has discovered—nail fungus, curvature of the nail plate—the patient is referred for the necessary examination. Among the main diagnostic procedures that podiatrists use in their medical practice:

1. X-ray of the foot - to assess the condition of the bones.
2. Dermatoscopy – allows you to examine the skin under high magnification.
3. Skin scraping - if a fungal disease is suspected or if there are neoplasms in this area.

Preparing for a consultation with a podiatrist

For a successful consultation, the patient needs preparation:

• Make a list of all the symptoms you notice, remember the timing and frequency of their manifestation. If possible, find out if close relatives suffer from similar diseases.
• Take with you all the results of previous examinations (if any), as well as your medical record.
• Carry out hygiene measures.
• Wear clothes and shoes that can be easily and quickly removed from your feet.

At the beginning of the appointment, the specialist will collect an anamnesis, that is, ask a series of standard questions about lifestyle, the presence of chronic diseases, and symptoms. The next stage is examination and palpation of the patient’s feet sitting in a special chair. If necessary, additional examinations and tests are prescribed.

Come to OLA beauty centers. Timely detection of foot diseases is always a guarantee of quick elimination. The specialist will perform a classic or medical pedicure and bring your feet back to normal condition.

Podologist's recommendations

The nature of the recommendations issued by the specialist concerns the prevention and prevention of diseases of the feet and nails. In order to never need a podiatrist, pedicures must be done correctly and regularly, periodically visiting doctors for examination. It is important to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. You cannot try to correct irregular nail shape on your own.
2. After treatment, it is necessary to try to completely eliminate factors that can provoke a recurrence of the disease.

What is podology?

Today, podology is a science that occupies a niche between surgery and dermatology. The task of specialists practicing in this field is both to timely detect deformations or pathological changes in the foot under the influence of negative processes occurring in the human body at the earliest stages, and to eliminate them. This allows you to eliminate the problem in a cosmetology salon, where podiatrists usually work, without resorting to going to a medical institution.

Despite the fact that a specialist in most cases deals with hygienic procedures related to feet (pedicure, treatment of ulcers, etc.), this activity requires specialized medical education. The master must have knowledge in many areas, including:

• traumatology;
• orthopedics;
• neurosurgery;
• purulent and vascular surgery;
• sports medicine;
• prosthetics;
• design and construction of orthopedic shoes;
• neurology;
• manual therapy, etc.

A podiatrist must easily navigate the field of pediatrics and therapy, which allows him to recognize such congenital and acquired diseases as flat feet (including valgus), plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, etc.

What does a specialist do? Usually a particular master practices in one particular area. This could be eliminating the consequences of ingrown toenails (orthonyxia), treating foot injuries caused by diabetes mellitus, or postoperative foot rehabilitation. The master cannot take responsibility for making a diagnosis, but is able to detect violations and recommend to the patient which doctor to see.

For example, when performing a pedicure, a specialist can see pathological changes in the nails and refer the person to a mycologist or endocrinologist for further examination and clarification of the condition.

What kind of science is “podology”?

Podology is a branch of medicine that deals with complete foot care. It exists to minimize the likelihood of various diseases. Methods for the prevention of pathological changes and foot diseases are being developed there. If they already exist, but are in the early stages, podiatry will help avoid serious consequences, eliminate discomfort and significantly improve the condition of the feet.

Therefore, a podologist is a specialist who deals with medical pedicure. His competence includes not only smooth skin and well-groomed nails, but also any diseases that may affect the condition of the feet. A podiatrist not only treats, but also identifies any pathological changes at the initial stage of their development. As a rule, at this time there is still a chance to solve the problem with small adjustments without resorting to the help of surgeons or other specialists.

Podiatry as a branch of medicine

Podology, or podiatry, chiropodium, as a field of medicine has been known since ancient times. In North America, New Zealand and Australia, it has been taught as a separate discipline for several decades, allowing higher education institutions to produce qualified podiatrists. In Russia and some other countries, this science is still very young (the first guide for universities was published only about 10 years ago). And to this day it is studied not as a field of medicine, but as a branch of cosmetology.

At the moment, the need for specialized personnel is very high. And if the orthopedist and traumatologist are required to make a diagnosis based not only on the examination of the patient, but also on the results of analyzes and tests, the podiatrist should focus only on visual contact with the patient.

As a rule, in traditional medicine, making a diagnosis also involves determining the pathogenesis and etiology of the disease. This is completely contrary to the principles of podiatry with which podiatrists approach patient treatment. In this area of ​​medicine, it is important to have a schematic and detailed description of methods for performing procedures, the purpose of which is not only to eliminate existing disorders, but also to prevent them.

At the same time, any doctor working in the field of orthopedics, traumatology or surgery will significantly improve his qualifications if he is familiar with the features of podiatry.

Pathologies leading to foot deformities

What diseases does a podiatrist treat? According to the Russian nomenclature, it eliminates similar changes in the foot that develop with heterogeneous pathologies, including:

• mycoses, onychomycosis and other lesions of the skin and nails of the feet;
• injuries, microtraumas and damage to the feet associated with sports (weightlifting, football), prolonged standing (salespeople, teachers, operating surgeons, etc.) or high axial loads on the legs (loaders, etc.);
• frostbite and burns of the feet;
• flat feet, hallux valgus and toes, heel spurs, abnormal growth of toenails;
• arthritis (including gout), arthrosis and other deforming lesions of the foot;
• varicose veins, obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, metabolic disorders (obesity, anemia, deficiency of vitamins and microelements);
• diabetic foot as a consequence of increased blood glucose levels;
• chronic poisoning with alcohol, petroleum products, heavy metals;
• foot problems after gastric surgery, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

In addition, the podiatrist prescribes treatment for people with foot deformities resulting from poor hygiene procedures (trimming of nails), prolonged wearing of shoes with narrow toes and high heels or inappropriate sizes.

What diseases does a podiatrist work with?

A podiatrist specializes in caring for healthy feet and feet with diseases of various etiologies:

It is noteworthy that the podiatrist is engaged not only in supporting the foot with specific ailments, but also in preventing the health of the foot and maintaining its mobility, which is especially important for people who spend a lot of time in motion (athletes, people of art), whose legs experience increased stress due to professional activities and features of the shoes used.

It is important to know: a podiatrist does not create an eye-catching nail shape, cut cuticles, polish the skin to the state of “baby heels” or apply colored varnishes and gels. All pedicure activities are carried out in accordance with indications and have an exclusively therapeutic and preventive effect. Podiatrists with medical education practice.

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Treatment methods used by a podiatrist

All of the above diseases and conditions lead to pathological deformities of the foot, including:

• changing the direction of nail growth;
• onychogryphosis, or bird's nail, is a change in the shape of the nail plate;
• onychodystrophy - change in the structure of the nail plate;
• hyperkeratosis (roughening of the skin of the foot), corns, calluses, cracks and calluses.

To eliminate these defects, specialized knowledge and special tools are required. The specialist treats most pathologies using hardware treatment of nails and foot skin, also called hardware medical pedicure. Using the Surgitron apparatus on the affected tissues, the master removes the areas affected by the fungus and eliminates defects and wounds. If necessary, a radio wave surgical instrument is used.

Treatment of orthonyxia is often carried out using so-called “nail plates”, when the specialist implants an element into the affected area that directs the growth of a person’s nail. In addition to radical therapy, the doctor will select medicinal cosmetics, recommend products to care for the affected skin of the feet and nails, and pay attention to the rules for purchasing shoes that will be comfortable for the patient. If indicated, the patient may be prescribed massage and physiotherapeutic procedures.

What techniques does a podiatrist use to treat the health of feet and nails?

A wide variety of methods and approaches are used in modern podological treatment:

• Medical foot care (medical pedicure);
• Hardware techniques for caring for the skin and nails of the feet (hardware pedicure);
• Therapeutic and preventive pedicure;
• Laser and photodynamic therapy;
• Treatment of ingrown toenails using conservative methods, without surgery;
• Podological treatment of fungal diseases;
• Manual treatment of the foot with special tools;
• Preventive and therapeutic baths;
• Massages;
• Orthoplasty (production of special products to relieve stress);
• Selection of shoes and insoles and orthopedic products;
• Selection of preventive creams and ointments for skin and nails.

It is important to know: foot care procedures performed by a podiatrist are safe for the patient.

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Podiatrist: who is he and what diseases does he treat?

Frequent foot diseases have made it possible to identify a still rare, but very necessary specialty in medicine - podiatrist. This profession also has another name - podiatrist (not to be confused with pediatrician) and both of these terms are considered correct.

This is the doctor who examines, determines the causes, eliminates, treats and even prevents foot diseases. This includes various types of deformities of the arch of the foot, pain, cracks in the skin, as well as problems associated with the nail plates.

What does a podiatrist treat?

Many rheumatic diseases, edocrinological diseases, injuries, congenital pathologies lead to changes in the structure of the foot, and some skin diseases affect the soles of the feet and nails.

For this reason, a doctor who deals with foot diseases is at the intersection of many specialties:

• orthopedics;
• surgery;
• dermatovenerology;
• endocrinology;
• traumatology.

The podiatrist is well versed in the specifics of leg lesions and, if necessary, refers the sick person to another doctor in order to jointly achieve the best effect in treatment. A variety of techniques are used in the treatment of foot diseases - operations of various volumes are performed, medications, massage, physiotherapy, and sanatorium-resort treatment are often used.

Finally, it is in this area that one often has to resort to corrective orthopedic devices, which are needed to ensure the most natural, physiological position of the body, and therefore avoid further deformities of the limbs.

The peculiarity and importance of treating foot diseases is that even slight discomfort, subtle deformation or gait disturbance turns out to be quite a significant problem, because it quickly leads to changes in the entire musculoskeletal system. Ultimately, arthritis, arthrosis of other joints, and osteochondrosis develop or worsen; the pelvic bones and spine are especially affected.

Foot damage in diabetes mellitus

In the modern world, a very dangerous disease is widespread - diabetes, which is fraught with a lot of complications. Diabetes is insidious precisely because it affects both blood vessels and nerve fibers, resulting in severe damage to the legs. In this case, the sensitivity of the limbs is lost, and very often burns, wounds, blows occur that a person does not feel and, accordingly, does not treat on time. Impaired nutrition of the skin of the legs leads to deep ulcers, and gangrene is not uncommon - tissue death with possible, very dangerous, inflammation.

The characteristic foot lesion in diabetes is called “diabetic foot.” In many cases, a person becomes disabled, losing the ability to move normally.

However, if you consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease, many problems can be avoided, and in later stages, treatment by a podiatrist will slow down the progression and correct the gait so that it is more comfortable to move. It is important to understand that insufficiently good treatment of the underlying disease - diabetes - will reduce all the efforts of the podiatrist to zero, because it leads to a worsening of the disease.

More than a pedicure

Medical pedicure is one of the areas of activity of a podiatrist. Cracks in the skin of the soles and peeling are common reasons for visiting a doctor. This means not just the elimination of cosmetic defects, but their treatment and elimination of the cause. Such a seemingly trivial problem as a callus also needs treatment. Especially if it does not go away for a long time and is very disturbing. The doctor finds out the cause of the formation of the callus - most often it is an incorrectly distributed load on the foot.

In some cases, in order to thoroughly understand the problem, it is necessary to undergo tests and skin scrapings. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor prescribes course or permanent treatment, corrective devices, and gives advice on how to get rid of excessive sweating or, conversely, dry feet. The podologist helps you choose the right cream, serum, prescribes lotions, and vitamin therapy.

Separation, thickening, ingrown nails

The problem of ingrown toenails is also within the competence of a doctor of this specialty. In this case, silicone shoe inserts and overlays are often prescribed for prevention. In advanced cases, the nail can be removed and replaced with prosthetics. Without fail, the doctor gives recommendations on wearing shoes and lifestyle. The joint work of an orthopedist and podologist will help eliminate the cause and prevent the problem from occurring; sometimes the intervention of a dermatovenerologist is required.

Thickening, splitting, and deformation of nails are often reasons for contacting a podiatrist. In most cases, these problems arise as a result of a fungal disease, but sometimes blood supply disorders and vitamin imbalances manifest themselves in this way.

Foot deformities

Special attention is deserved by foot deformities, which are often hereditary in nature, less often post-traumatic or are the consequences of diseases:

• flat feet;
• hollow foot;
• equine foot;
• heel foot;
• clubfoot.

All of these diseases require an integrated approach: radiography, sometimes computed tomography, and laboratory diagnostics are used for diagnosis. Depending on the degree of damage and the probable reversibility of the disease, treatment can be medicinal, or as it is also called, conservative, or operative - surgical. As a rule, such methods as exercise therapy are used - physical therapy, physiotherapy, in some cases consultations with an orthopedist and neurologist are required.

Heel spur

This is a rather serious and unpleasant problem, which for some inexplicable reason in our country is usually treated independently. Perhaps no other disease in podiatry has so many everyday tips.

Area of ​​activity of a podiatrist

First of all, it provides care for the feet. If any signs of the disease are detected, he carries out prevention and tries to find the cause. The area of ​​care includes medical pedicure. It differs from the usual one in that here it is performed not by a cosmetologist, but by a podiatrist who fights heel cracks, corns, calluses, sweating and moisture in the feet. In addition, the podiatrist, using corrective systems, treats ingrown nails and provides prosthetics. He also gives recommendations on further care and use of cosmetics.

The next area in which the podiatrist is involved is the treatment of “diabetic foot syndrome”. It manifests itself in diabetic patients and consists of a lack of sensitivity in the skin of the feet. This syndrome is also associated with rough skin and cracks between the toes. If a diabetic does not receive proper foot care, this can lead to disastrous consequences - gangrene. Therefore, regular visits to a podiatrist are necessary for people with this diagnosis.

First of all, quality medical foot care. After all, prevention of any disease is always more productive and cheaper than treatment. If care is carried out regularly, it is much easier for a specialist to notice changes characteristic of certain diseases.

Of course, the podiatrist will not make a diagnosis, much less engage in treatment, but, having noticed the signs of an emerging problem in time, he will refer the patient to the appropriate doctor. And when a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed, the podologist will carry out all the prescribed procedures. For example, many people are familiar with the problem of calluses.

Often people suffer from them for many years. Many people from time to time resort to radical methods - laser therapy, surgical removal and the like, and nothing helps. In order to deal with a problem effectively, you need to know how it arises and develops. And before removing the callus, the podiatrist will refer the patient to an orthopedist. After all, the appearance of calluses is a response of the skin to increased stress. Without removing the load, without redistributing it more evenly, it is not possible to get rid of calluses.

If the problem is not very serious, or is associated, for example, with incorrect positioning of the fingers, the podiatrist can solve it on the spot by making an individual orthosis (corrector) from silicone mass. In all other cases, consultation with an orthopedic doctor is required. The same situation applies to fungal infections. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment based on an analysis, but the treatment will be carried out by a podologist (regular cleanings and treatments with medications, adjusting the shape of the growing nail plate).

The podiatry office solves many problems related to the foot, such as treatment and special treatment of cracks, correction of ingrown nails. With modern equipment, cosmetics and technology, it is not at all necessary to run to a surgeon with these problems.

A large number of modern techniques allow the podiatrist to correct ingrown toenails even in very advanced cases and in the presence of inflammation. When talking about the problems that podologists deal with, we cannot ignore such a category of patients as diabetics. Diabetes is a very complex and serious disease that brings with it a whole range of problems. One of them is called “diabetic foot syndrome.” Decreased immunity, deterioration of blood circulation, neuropathy (loss of sensitivity) - these are not all the difficulties that a podiatrist has to face when working with patients with diabetes. And, of course, when caring for a diabetic’s feet, it is necessary to comply with a huge number of rules and restrictions. This is both the highest level of sanitary condition of the office, and precise, almost jewelry-like treatment of problem areas, because even a small wound during treatment is fraught with big problems. But not only patients with serious problems can appreciate the benefits of the newly opened podiatry offices. Regular foot hygiene without the risk of transmitting infection from one patient to another is attractive in itself.

A podiatrist is a doctor who deals with foot problems. At first glance, such a narrow specialization is not justified. Well, what problems can the foot have? However, its condition is affected by many pathological processes occurring in other organs and systems. The foot turns out to be very vulnerable due to its location. It can withstand the load of a person. Its joints, blood vessels, and skin are tested with every step, which is why the foot is prone to so many diseases.

A podiatrist specializes in the treatment of foot diseases

How to find such a specialist

Is it possible to find a podiatrist in St. Petersburg? In St. Petersburg, the popularity of doctors in this specialty is growing every year, statistical data shows this - more and more podiatrists can be found in private clinics.

The most popular service so far remains a medical pedicure, in second place is the solution to the problem of ingrown toenails, and somewhat less often people go to the doctor with deformities and other lesions of the feet. The cost of services varies widely - from 1000 to 5000, depending on the volume of treatment.

Is it really possible to find a podiatrist in Moscow? Podology cannot yet be called a popular specialty, but many people in the capital know about it - the first clinics offering such services appeared here. The average cost of services does not differ from that in St. Petersburg.

What the patient needs to know

Considering the wide range of professional skills of a podiatrist, as well as the relative “youth” of this science in Russia, we can give several recommendations for choosing a specialist:

• check in advance by phone the doctor's specialization and voice your problem - a number of podiatrists have exclusively orthopedic education and will not help you in the treatment of calluses or split nails; on the contrary, a doctor with a cosmetologist education cannot prescribe treatment for flat feet;
• you will reduce the cost of treatment and time (yours and the doctor’s) if you come to the first appointment with ready-made examination results - x-rays for foot deformities, or an endocrinologist’s report for diabetic foot syndrome;
• do not start the problem - keep in mind that any disease can reach a stage where it will be extremely difficult to cure. No one will appreciate your patience, but when you visit a doctor with the first symptoms of an illness, there is every chance of never remembering this illness again;
• Unfortunately, the fashionable name “podiatrist” sometimes hides a person without a medical education – a manicurist. Do not hesitate to clarify this important point and contact only professionals.

What does a podiatrist treat?

A podiatrist is a specialized doctor whose professional activity includes the development of therapeutic, diagnostic and preventive methods of combating foot diseases. The podiatrist also performs professional therapeutic pedicures and provides competent care for the feet. The main task of podiatry is to solve any foot problems using advanced effective techniques without surgical intervention, which often has many unfavorable complications and contraindications.

What does a podiatrist do?

The doctor's field of activity includes the treatment and care of ligaments and tendons, nerves, bones and joints, muscles and blood vessels of the legs. The initial examination, diagnosis and treatment is carried out by a dermatologist, orthopedist or surgeon, and a specialist podiatrist is responsible for competently implementing the prescribed instructions.

A podiatrist is a highly specialized specialist who deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot diseases, as well as competent care of the feet and performing therapeutic pedicures.

Based on the condition of the feet, the doctor can draw conclusions about certain pathologies in the body. For example, the appearance of hard calluses in a certain place of the foot may indicate increased stress, which often occurs due to disorders in the musculoskeletal system. In addition, when carrying out various medical procedures, a master podologist can detect the cause of problems with the skin or joints of the feet and prescribe the patient additional examination by other specialists (dermatologist, orthopedist, mycologist, phlebologist, endocrinologist, surgeon, etc.). After conducting a comprehensive diagnosis, they will determine the exact cause of the pathology and help you choose effective ways to eliminate it.

A pedicure performed by a podiatrist should not be confused with a traditional salon service. This is a medical procedure that is used to combat calluses, corns, cracked heels, rough areas of the skin, ingrown toenails and other foot pathologies. A pedicure by a podiatrist is considered a more professional and high-quality procedure than a traditional pedicure in beauty salons.

In addition to treating foot diseases, the podiatrist provides foot care, which is necessary to prevent the occurrence of cracks, corns, rough and dry skin on the heels. A podiatrist will help you create an individual foot care regimen and select the optimal medications for the treatment of fungal diseases. He will also provide recommendations regarding the correct choice of shoes and foot care at home.

How to do a therapeutic pedicure at home

Medical pedicure is best performed in specialized clinics, since quality and sterility at home cannot be fully ensured. You can carry out a similar procedure yourself for preventive purposes if you do not have fungal infections of the feet and nails.

Features of a therapeutic pedicure for nail fungus at home:

• Avoid trimming cuticles and dead skin. To soften the epidermis, use special compounds. This will avoid the appearance of wounds and scratches and, as a result, the spread of mycosis;
• To carry out the procedure, you must have individual instruments, a bath or basin, and a medicinal product to cover the nails. It is best to use disposable napkins or paper towels;
• All instruments after the procedure must be disinfected with special means or 70% alcohol.

Pedicure at home is carried out in two stages:

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• First, treat your feet with a special softening and disinfectant composition in accordance with the instructions, applying it with massaging movements, and leave the product for 10-15 minutes.
• Then, if you perform the procedure using a special device, use large ball- or cone-shaped nozzles to remove the dead epidermis. Use medium-grain cutters to clean the area around the nail. Using a fine abrasive nozzle, treat the nail plate.

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What diseases does a podiatrist treat?

The professional responsibilities of a podiatrist include identifying, treating and preventing the following foot diseases:

• Core corns;
• Fungus of nails, feet;
• Shipica;
• Calluses;
• Cracks in toes and heels;
• Ingrown nail;
• Foot odor, hyperhidrosis;
• Bursitis;
• Deformations, congenital anomalies of the feet;
• Tunnel syndrome;
• Panaritiums;
• Thickening of the dermis on the legs;
• Plantar fasciitis;
• Warts;
• Hollow feet;
• Dislocations and sprains;
• Morton's neuroma;
• Deformed toes;
• Heel spur, diabetic foot, bunion.

In addition, a podiatrist treats ingrown toenails, performs plastic surgery and prosthetics of nail plates, and eliminates the consequences of previous injuries and congenital deformities.

Regular visits to a podiatrist and contacting a specialist if any problems with the feet are detected will allow you to identify the disease in the early stages, prevent the development of serious problems and keep your feet in proper shape.

Attention!

This article is posted for informational purposes only and under no circumstances constitutes scientific material or medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for an in-person consultation with a professional physician. For diagnostics, diagnosis and treatment, contact qualified doctors!

Treatment

When treating feet, medications, physiotherapy and surgical methods are used.

Foot treatment may include the use of orthotics

You need to maintain healthy feet from early childhood throughout your life, for this you need to:

The following video will show you more about the responsibilities of a podiatrist:

Who is a podologist?

How to get rid of the mass of troubles that an ingrown toenail causes us? How to care for diabetic feet and thus prevent serious complications that can be caused by this serious disease? Who will help with post-traumatic massage? A podiatrist will answer these and many other questions related to quality medical foot care. An important task of this specialist is to identify problems with the condition of the foot in the early stages in order to begin treatment as early as possible and avoid serious complications. A podologist is a link between the patient and doctors such as phlebologist, endocrinologist, orthopedist, etc.

What does a podiatrist do?

We are accustomed to cosmetic pedicures in salons specializing in decorative procedures. But there is also a so-called medical pedicure, which you will not find in beauty salons. This is exactly the kind of pedicure that a podiatrist does, carefully and carefully removing old calluses, causing a lot of discomfort, corns, ingrown toenails, and treating cracked heels. The role of the doctor is also great in the treatment of diabetic foot, because it is with diabetes mellitus that the patient may experience serious complications that pose a threat to the patient’s life. These doctors will also provide assistance with fungal diseases, implementing treatment regimens prescribed by mycologists. After all, such lesions often require professional cleaning. It involves the use of special substances, treatment of cracks that have appeared and many other manipulations.

When is it necessary to contact a podiatrist?

There are many reasons to visit such a specialist. Unfortunately, not all of us know what problems should be addressed to a podiatrist. It is these doctors who will remove dead skin, help in the treatment of cracks, corns and ingrown nails, professionally treat your feet, and also tell you how to choose the right shoes. After all, quite often it is low-quality shoes that become the cause of many foot diseases. Patients suffering from diabetes will be able to receive competent and qualified treatment for diabetic foot and thus avoid complications. Here you can also get advice on how to properly care for your feet.

How to get this specialty in the capital?

As mentioned earlier, a podiatrist in Russia occupies an intermediate position between a doctor and a pedicure specialist. No medical institution allows you to receive specialized education. Some private organizations and clinics offer short-term training. It enjoys a good reputation, which offers students a fairly deep and varied training program. You can also take courses at the Institute of Podology. The training course also provides an opportunity to master the various skills needed to work as a podiatrist. The question of the need for medical education for such a specialist is quite controversial. Of course, it will be extremely useful, but having a degree as a doctor or nurse is not a prerequisite, especially if you plan to work in beauty centers.

Famous Moscow specialists

Podology is a fairly young discipline, the history of which is taking shape today. Podologists in the capital are successfully mastering new techniques and using the experience of foreign colleagues. The most successful specialists have higher medical education and have been working with patients for a long time. S.A. is very popular in Moscow. Makarov, M.V. Fedorova, I.R. Gumerov and others.

A podiatrist specializes in the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of human foot diseases. In addition, this doctor with medical education is a professional pedicurist.

If the patient is diagnosed with other diseases, then for a long time he is sent to another specialist.