By Katherine Both terms are used interchangeably to describe the same phenomenon. Both chiropodists and podiatrists treat foot disorders and foot health.
Chiropody is an ancient name for someone who specializes in foot health. According to the Institute of chiropody and podiatry, the professional title of Podiatrist wasn’t developed until recent years. Look at the article for more information on how chiropodist is different to podiatrist.
Chiropodist Responsibilities
A chiropodist or podiatrist treats foot diseases like:
- Callus (hard skin)
- Corns
- Cracked heels
- Ingrown toenails
- Thick nails
- Verrucae
Podiatrist Vs. Nail Tech:
A podiatrist has the medical credentials to register with the Institute of Chiropody and Podiatry and treat a range of foot diseases.
A nail technician specializes in shaping and coloring nails. They can’t do nail surgery or treat other foot issues.
Orthopedics Vs. Podiatry
A podiatrist specializes in feet, while an orthopedic surgeon treats the entire body. Registered podiatrists may collaborate alongside an orthopedic surgeon if you need foot surgery.
Podiatrists Remove Calluses
Foot calluses and corns can be uncomfortable, but if you have diabetes, heart issues, or another circulatory condition, you should consult a podiatrist.
To eliminate a callus, a podiatrist may:
- Putting insoles in your shoes to relieve calluses.
- Using patches to soften stubborn skin for removal.
- Cut corn or callus gently.
Poorly fitted shoes might be unhealthy for your feet, but wearing shoes isn’t. Unfit shoes can cause calluses and corns. They’re painful to remove.
Foot Pain Remedies
Foot discomfort is complicated by the foot’s design.
Foot:
- Bones
- 33 joints, 20 active
- 100+ muscles, ligaments, tendons
Leg disorders might cause foot pain. Hip or lower back issues might modify the way you stand or walk, causing difficulties with your foot’s structure.
This is where a podiatrist comes into their own, being able to identify precisely where the pain is in your foot and how it is created and then understanding the best method to treat it.
Do High Heels Hurt Your Feet?
Everyday high heels might cause complications. Because your weight is displaced…
- Push your knees forward to rebalance.
- To maintain balance, push your hips forward
- You hyperextend your back to maintain equilibrium.
- Over time, the ball of your foot’s natural cushioning might decrease and atrophy.
We recommend avoiding high heels and choosing well-fitting, balanced shoes.
Sports-Related Foot Injuries
Sports injuries that affect the feet and require a podiatrist include:
Achilles Tendinosis: The Achilles tendon is the body’s biggest and can be injured by repeated sports like dancing or jogging. Age can increase Achilles tendon deterioration from overuse.
Neuroma: A pinched nerve in the foot. Improper shoes, trauma, or congenital foot abnormalities can create bunions. Neuroma causes discomfort in the ball of the foot or tingling and numbness when walking, especially between the toes or big toe. Injections or shoe inserts can alleviate nerve irritation.
Plantar Fasciitis: The plantar fascia runs over the arch of your foot and absorbs walking stress. Pain is usually in the heel.
Stress Fractures: Long-distance running, gymnastics, dancing, and football can cause them. Single trauma or recurrent stress on feet and ankles can break bones. Lack of foot and ankle training might lead to stress fractures.
In summary, training effectively before excessive sports exertion and wearing properly fitting footwear with good support will help avoid sports-related foot injuries.