Your feet and ankles support your entire body, so it’s not uncommon to get pains and aches in these areas. Degenerative diseases can also strike at the joints of your lower extremities, rendering you partially immobile.
To help your feet and ankles regain their strength and mobility, you can turn to podiatrists and pedorthists. They are professionals who are trained to care for these parts of your body. However, there are differences when it comes to how and what they treat.
Read on to find out when you should consult a podiatrist versus a pedorthist.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine. They are healthcare professionals who specialize in disorders of the foot and ankle. In general, if you are suffering from any pain or disease in your lower extremities, you should first contact a podiatrist.
They can order imaging tests and provide accurate diagnoses. They are also able to prescribe medications and help treat your condition.
Here are the most common reasons why patients visit a foot doctor:
For Acute Injuries
Sprains are one of the most common foot and ankle injuries. While it can usually be treated through the PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method, it is still crucial that you see a podiatrist when you have a sprain. They can correctly assess the severity of your injury, so you can get the appropriate treatment.
You should also go to a foot doctor’s clinic if you sustained a sports injury. You may have a fracture, which requires the immediate attention of a podiatrist. They will advise you on how to take care of your feet to recover as swiftly as possible.
For Sudden Foot Pain, Numbness, Tingling, or Loss of Function
The abovementioned symptoms can be an indication of an underlying foot disorder. If these persist for a few days, it is best for you to schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle doctor. They will be able to diagnose your condition and map out the appropriate treatment plan.
Delaying your visit to a podiatrist may lead to irreversible consequences, so make sure to carve out some time out of your busy schedule to see them.
For Foot Deformities
Some individuals are born with flatfeet, a condition where the foot does not have an arch. If your flatfeet condition is accompanied by pain, podiatrists can suggest custom orthotics and simple exercises to help relieve the aching.
Meanwhile, some foot deformities can develop due to structural changes in the foot. For example, bunions can develop when the big toe moves out of position. To correct this, your podiatrist may advise you to wear low-heeled and wide shoes. In some cases, they may also perform surgery to relieve your pain and fix your foot’s alignment.
For Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes are prone to nerve damage. One usual consequence of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes pain and numbness in the body’s extremities. With diabetes, wounds and infections also take a longer time to heal. In some cases, doctors need to remove or amputate affected tissues to prevent them from spreading to other parts of the foot.
As such, patients with diabetes require the expertise of a podiatrist. Their foot doctor can help them care for their feet to prevent infections. In case these do develop, they can attend to them immediately to avoid further complications.
When to Visit a Pedorthist
Pedorthists are allied health professionals who specialize in designing and creating orthotics. These are devices that help correct the alignment of your feet and provide a cushion to prevent pain. Pedorthists are more concerned with the biomechanics of your lower extremities, rather than treating foot conditions.
These foot professionals cannot diagnose issues, so it’s essential that you consult with a podiatrist before seeking help from a pedorthist.
Most patients visit a pedorthist for the following concerns:
For Persistent Pain
Your podiatrist may refer you to a pedorthist for chronic foot pain. Patients with heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, gout, and bunions can greatly benefit from the help of a pedorthist. They can craft custom orthotics to adjust your foot’s structures and reduce the aching.
For Better Athletic Performance
You don’t need a medical reason to consult with a pedorthist. You can visit one if you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance or reduce your risk of injury. Your pedorthist can design orthotics to help you keep your feet healthy as you train or compete. For example, foot insoles can help with your alignment and help absorb shock during running.
Pedorthist and Podiatrist in West Orange, NJ
If you’re suffering from a painful foot condition, your best bet would be to consult a podiatrist and pedorthist. With their combined expertise, they can help relieve your painful symptoms and assist you in regaining mobility as swiftly as possible. They can also guide you in keeping your feet strong and healthy.
Looking for a podiatrist in West Orange, NJ? Visit Hudson Medical Group! We offer a wide range of podiatry services, as well as primary care, to help you get back on your feet in no time.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (973) 705-4914 for any inquiries. You can also send us a message through our online contact form. We look forward to serving you!
