A podiatrist is an Allied Health professional who specializes in dealing with problems of the feet. Podiatrists can manage disorders such as toe infections, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, bunions, skin infections and foot injuries. Podiatrists can perform ingrown nail surgery under a local anaesthetic. They may also take care of diabetic and arthritic patients, who may need the expertise of a podiatrist to cut their toenails the right way or to check any kind of changes in their feet. Podiatrists additionally look at the blood pressure to a patient’s feet to figure out if the client has an adequate amount of blood flowing through to the toes. They might also treat ulcers and dress the ulcerated wounds. In the sports medicine field, they could check the fitness of an athlete’s foot, treat any overuse injuries which can have happened, find out how the athlete runs, and can advise on the most effective footwear. Sports injuries that a podiatrist might manage include heel spurs, shin splints, a sprained ankle, stress fractures or Achilles tendonitis. They could also prescribe and produce orthotic inserts for athletes. From time to time a patient needs extra support in their shoes to assist them to walk without pain. A podiatrist will evaluate and diagnose whether an support insert is likely to make an impact. If so, the podiatrist will make a model of the feet and then create the suitable insert, regardless of whether it’s for functional or palliative factors. A biomechanical support is a shoe insert that can help the client to walk better and is generally made from a thermoplastic material. A palliative support consists of rubber or foam and is made to assist people who have painful feet or who suffer from wounds to be able to wear footwear comfortably. Patients whose feet are misshaped can probably experience relief when using accomodative orthoses. Podiatrists can work in private practice, in hospitals, rest homes, sports medicine practices or in community health clinics.
How do you become a podiatrist?
You need to complete a four year Bachelor of Science/Master of Podiatric Practice degree or a four year Bachelor of Podiatry degree to become a Podiatrist. This is a full time program and is offered by several educational facilities in Australia, which includes La Trobe University in Melbourne and also Charles Sturt University in Nsw. The courses include theoretical and clinical lessons, as well as clinical placements. When you have become a qualified podiatrist, you have got to register with the podiatry board. If you’re interested in the biomechanics of the foot and the number of medical ailments that might affect the feet, then a vocation as a podiatrist is extremely fulfilling.