A podiatrist is an expert who specialises in managing the feet. Podiatrists can address disorders such as toe fungus, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, bunions, skin infections and foot trauma.
Podiatrists can perform ingrown nail surgery under a local anaesthetic. This method is a very frequent treatment. They are also able to take care of diabetic and arthritis clients, which might need the assistance of a podiatrist to cut their toe nails correctly or to check any a change in their feet. They furthermore look at the blood pressure level to a patient’s feet to figure out if the patient is having a sufficient quantity of blood flowing through to the foot. They might also take care of ulcers and dress the ulcerated wounds. Within the sports medicine field, they can check the health of an athlete’s foot, deal with any overuse injuries that may have happened, find out how the athlete runs, and might suggest the ideal footwear. Sports injuries that a podiatrist can deal with include heel pain, shin pain, a sprained ankle, stress fractures or Achilles tendinopathy. They may also recommend and make orthotic supports for clients. At times a patient needs extra support in their footwear to assist them to walk without discomfort. They will assess and diagnose whether an orthotic insert will make an impact. If that's the case, they will make a model of the foot after which create the correct device, whether it’s for biomechanical or accomodative factors.
A biomechanical support is a shoe insert that can help the patient to walk normally and is generally created from a thermoplastic substance. A palliative shoe insert is made from rubber or foam and is created to help people who have painful feet or who suffer from ulcers so that you can wear footwear comfortably. Patients whose feet are deformed could probably experience relief when wearing accomodative orthoses. Podiatrists can be employed in private practice, in hospitals, rest homes, sports medicine clinics or in local community health centers.
How can you become a podiatrist?
You have to complete a four year Bachelor of Science/Master of Podiatric Practice degree or a four year Bachelor of Podiatry degree. This is a full-time training course and is offered by some universities in Australia, such as La Trobe University in Melbourne and also Charles Sturt University in New South Wales. The programs include theoretical and practical lessons, as well as clinical experience. When you have turn into a certified podiatrist, you will have to register with the podiatry board. If you’re interested by the biomechanics of the foot and the array of medical conditions which could present in your feet, then a career as a podiatrist could be very worthwhile.