A podiatrist is a health practitioner specializing in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle disorders, holding a Doctorate in podiatric medicine and authorized to practice by the Ordre des podiatres du Québec.
But what exactly does a podiatrist do? Beyond examination and diagnosis, a podiatrist offers several surprising and essential skills for foot care.
Podiatrist’s Surgical Skills
One notable skill is that a podiatrist can perform surgery. After diagnosis, surgical therapy can address issues like painful cyst removal, treatment of resistant warts, or severe ingrown toenails. For podiatrists with surgical residency, complex procedures such as bone surgery for conditions including Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, and hallux valgus are possible, targeting disabling daily-life foot problems.
Podiatrist’s Advice on Work Shoes
Choosing proper work shoes is fundamental for plantar health. A podiatrist advises on the best shoe style according to your foot shape and work environment, focusing on size, form, flexibility, and model uniqueness to prevent plantar discomfort. For example, steel-toe shoes may be recommended in construction, and for those standing long hours, custom orthotics can prevent foot deformities and musculoskeletal imbalances.
Podiatrist’s Ability to Create Orthotics
Podiatrists are authorized to create custom foot orthotics, though they cannot sell orthopedic shoes or prosthetics. Orthotics support and correct foot posture issues such as flat foot, diabetic foot, or bunions. After thorough assessment, the podiatrist takes precise measurements to craft orthoses tailored to your feet.
Podiatrist’s Authorization to Prescribe Medications
Since May 2020, podiatrists in Quebec can prescribe and administer certain medications, including topical and oral antifungals and oral antibiotics for localized infections like ingrown toenails. They can also conduct blood tests independently to monitor patient health and guide appropriate treatment.
Conclusion — The Importance of a Podiatrist’s Skills for Foot Care
Podiatrists have a broad set of skills making them essential experts for foot and ankle problems. Their expertise spans thorough physical exams, patient counseling, orthotic creation, medication prescription, and surgical interventions.
Book an appointment with a podiatrist directly on the PiedRéseau website for any specialized foot health needs.