The non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle problems, involving medication, physical therapy, and other interventions.
Anatomy and Physiology: The study of the structure and function of the human body, its systems and organs, and their interaction.
Medical Terminology: The language or vocabulary used in medicine to describe diseases, conditions, and medical procedures.
Pathology: The study of diseases and their causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Pharmacology: The study of drugs, how they work, their therapeutic effects, and side effects.
Biomechanics: The study of the mechanics of movement, including the forces and motions involved in the human body.
Orthopedics: The study of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments.
Podiatry: The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle disorders and injuries.
Podiatric Surgery: The surgical management of foot and ankle disorders, including trauma, deformities, and conditions such as tumors and infections.
Sports Medicine: The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries, including those that affect the feet, ankles, and lower leg.
Podiatric Dermatology: The diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders, including those affecting the feet and ankles.
Podiatric Radiology: The use of imaging techniques, such as X-rays and MRI, to diagnose foot and ankle disorders.
Diabetes Management: The management of diabetes, especially in relation to its effects on the feet.
Wound Care: The management of wounds, including those related to foot and ankle injuries and surgeries.
Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation: The use of physical therapy, exercises, and other techniques to restore function and mobility to the foot and ankle.
Practice Management: The management of a podiatric practice, including patient care, financial management, and business operations.
Orthotics: This type of medical management involves making and fitting custom foot supports or shoe inserts designed to correct or improve foot alignment and alleviate pain in the feet, knees, hips, or back.
Surgery: In cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective, podiatrists may recommend surgery to correct structural problems or alleviate painful conditions such as bunions or hammertoes.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy is often used in conjunction with other medical management techniques to improve foot and ankle function, reduce pain, and increase range of motion.
Medications: Podiatrists may prescribe oral or topical medications to treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including fungal infections, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs.
Injection therapy: Injection therapy involves injecting a medication (such as cortisone) directly into the affected area to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Diabetic foot care: Podiatrists specialize in treating diabetic foot problems, including neuropathy, ulcers, infections, and other complications associated with diabetes.
Wound care: Podiatrists are trained to treat foot and ankle wounds, including ulcers, blisters, and lacerations, to prevent infections and promote healing.
Footwear recommendations: Podiatrists may make recommendations for specific types of footwear to help patients alleviate foot pain or prevent future foot problems.
Custom braces and splints: Podiatrists may recommend or create custom-braces or splints to help prevent or treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or ankle sprains.
Gait analysis: Podiatrists may conduct gait analysis to identify problems with how a person walks or runs and make recommendations for orthotics, footwear or other treatments.