Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the field of podiatry. They usually treat patients of any age for a variety of foot-related problems, including corns, bunions, hammertoe, ankle sprains and fractures. If they affect an ankle or foot, podiatrists often treat them as well when they occur with a foot or hand. In some cases, podiatrist Adelaide also treat sports injuries or pain during exercise. They perform examinations and determine the best course of action.
A podiatrist Adelaide treats a wide range of problems related to the foot, ankle and leg. The most common problem that they treat is a fracture. When a person has a fracture, they will go to a podiatrist to have the broken bone looked at and to get it repaired. In some cases, the podiatrist can suggest an artificial limb. Many people elect to use a cast and to have cast-off parts made so they will not have to buy a new cast every six months.
Other conditions that a podiatrist might be recommended for include diabetes, arthritis, foot injuries, sports injuries and fractures of the foot or ankle. If a patient has foot or ankle arthritis, they will have their physician check to see if there is an infection linked to the foot or ankle. The doctor will also check to see if the patient has a high glucose level, which can be associated with diabetes. It is common for podiatrists to treat diabetic patients with a daily insulin dose, as well as for those with a high level of blood pressure or cholesterol.
Foot injuries or fractures can cause a tremendous amount of pain, depending on where the injury occurs. If the foot bone is fractured, the podiatrist might suggest that the patient have surgery to replace the damaged bone. He or she might suggest covering the fractured foot with a plaster or other artificial material. The pain will subside after the surgery. However, if the foot was broken from a fall, the bones may need to be separated. This can be done through the use of screws or plates.
There are many different types of feet and ankle that doctors see regularly. Some of these include flat feet, high arched feet, low-arched feet, and more. Through a comprehensive examination, a podiatrist will be able to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Many people choose to go to a podiatrist because they are unsure about certain areas of their foot. Others go to see a podiatrist simply because they want to be sure that their particular doctor knows what he or she is doing.