Podiatry is a specialty healthcare field that diagnoses and treats foot and ankle disorders. It is a relatively modern medical practice, replacing the old term chiropodist and chiropody. Using HotDoc, you can book an online podiatry appointment as soon as today or at a time that suits you. You can also use the search filters to select a practitioner that speaks your language and accepts your preferred billing method, such as bulk billing. Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists. Often, podiatrists are the first medical professionals to notice and treat foot and ankle problems. They also offer preventive care and consult with patients and other physicians on foot health. They diagnose and treat foot diseases, nail conditions, injuries, and deformities. They also prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures like ultrasound and blood tests. They may also fit patients with custom orthotics. They thoroughly understand the entire lower leg and foot and how they relate to the rest of the body, including the knees and hips. A podiatrist’s specialized education, training, and experience allow them to treat the full range of conditions that affect the feet and ankles. They can also provide treatment for the entire family, including children. The feet and ankles support the entire body’s weight, so any injury or disease can profoundly impact the quality of life. They are a complex structure comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Unlike a general medical doctor or orthopedist, podiatrists spend years learning about the complexities of the feet and ankles. To prepare for a career as a podiatrist: Start by seeking out shadowing opportunities and obtaining letters of recommendation from your mentors. If possible, continue working or volunteering in a healthcare setting throughout your undergraduate studies. Take the MCAT and visit colleges of podiatric medicine to learn about their admissions process. They diagnose and treat foot disorders. Www.inertiahealthgroup.com.au podiatry Woodville diagnose and treat conditions and injuries of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They work with primary physicians to treat common issues like heel pain and hammertoes. They use a combination of science, anatomy, and clinical judgement to make the best treatment decisions for their patients. They also conduct testing to help diagnose some conditions. For example, they may use quantitative sensory testing to measure how well the nerves in the foot respond to changes in temperature and vibration. They can also use electromyography to measure how well muscle tissue responds to nerve impulses. Podiatric medical doctors are highly trained in non-surgical care. They have a unique understanding of how the muscles, ligaments, and bones in the feet and ankles work together to support movement and health. They also know how to treat common problems that affect the feet, such as bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails. Podiatrists will review the patient’s medical history and symptoms during diagnosis. They will then perform a physical examination, which includes observing the skin, checking the nails, and moving the toes in different directions. They may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to see how the bones and joints in the feet are functioning. To become a podiatrist, you should start your college search early in spring. Look for leadership opportunities on campus and speak to podiatric medical school admission officers. Identify professors or advisors who can write letters of recommendation and ask politely for them to do so. They perform biomechanical assessments. If you are suffering from a foot, leg or lower back problem, it may be due to how your feet and legs move. A biomechanical assessment will study how you stand and walk and identify any issues. The results of a biomechanical assessment will provide a diagnosis and a treatment plan. It can help reduce stress on specific muscles and joints to relieve pain or prevent further damage. A biomechanical assessment will also examine your flexibility, including the range of motion in the hips, knees, and ankles. It will look for areas of restriction related to arthritis or tight muscles and areas of excess movement that might be caused by generalized hypermobility.