Quebecers can now benefit from new prescriptions from podiatrists to effectively relieve foot pain. Podiatrists can prescribe most medications needed for podiatry treatments, eliminating the need for consultations with doctors, dermatologists, or pharmacists for tailored podiatric care. These prescriptions aid in treating skin conditions, foot infections, and toenail issues. Here are four types of prescriptions podiatrists can now offer.
1. Topical antifungal medication
Topical antifungals, or fungicides, treat minimal yeast infections like nail fungus and athlete’s foot. These come as creams, gels, ointments, lotions, powders, or foams and typically require 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. Good foot hygiene and dryness are essential for effectiveness. Recurrent or resistant infections may necessitate oral antifungals.
2. Oral antifungal medication
Podiatrists can now prescribe oral antifungals, previously exclusive to dermatologists or primary care physicians, for severe or resistant infections, especially in vulnerable patients like those with diabetes. Oral treatment, usually lasting 12 weeks, targets various onychomycosis types, such as distal subungual, proximal subungual, superficial white, and total onychomycosis.
Due to potential side effects and liver risks, blood tests before and during treatment are mandated to ensure patient safety. Common oral antifungals include Lamisil and Sporanox.
3. Blood tests
Podiatrists can prescribe blood tests to monitor patients’ conditions and tailor treatments effectively. For example, tests may reveal kidney function impairments affecting medication dosing, such as antibiotics or antifungals, thus promoting safer and more precise care without needing a general practitioner’s intervention.
4. Oral antibiotics
Podiatrists can also prescribe oral antibiotics to treat localized foot infections, including complications from ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis). These antibiotics manage bacterial infections like abscesses, cellulitis, and foot lesions. Prescriptions consider patient sensitivity, dosage, medical history (e.g., kidney or liver issues, diabetes), possible side effects, and medication frequency.
Pharmacists often assist by recommending appropriate dosages, complementing podiatric care.
Other prescriptions from the podiatrist you can rely on
Besides topical and oral antifungals, blood tests, and oral antibiotics, podiatrists offer various treatments such as custom-made foot orthoses, cortisone injections, ultrasound-guided injections, fitted shoes, topical antibiotics, manual foot therapy, foot ultrasound exams, digital radiography, biomechanical foot exams, shock wave therapy, therapeutic lasers, foot taping, and postural assessments.
These expanded prescribing rights make podiatrists more comprehensive professionals for treating foot, ankle, leg, knee, hip, and lower back conditions. Continuous education through the Ordre des podiatres du Québec enables podiatrists to offer evolving and improved solutions.
Contact a podiatrist today to enjoy the best solution for your problem.