An examination of your feet by a specialist can help identify the root of your foot pain if it has been hurting frequently, whether or not you were active.
A podiatrist should thoroughly evaluate any localized pain in the soles of the feet, a sense of discomfort after walking, or an intense pain. Following up on the health of your feet on a regular basis can help you to track the development of the symptoms.
How does a podiatric assessment work?
When you experience continuous foot discomfort, the first thing you should do is call your podiatric clinic to schedule an appointment. This reaction is particularly more important if you have diabetes, as this disease can have a significant impact on your feet.
During the podiatric examination, the podiatrist will determine the source of the pain or discomfort. The foot, which is constantly absorbing the impact of the body’s weight, has to be monitored in order to preserve its balance and health. Neglecting the health of the feet can have consequences for the entire lower limb chain, which includes the feet, legs, thighs, and pelvis.
Your podiatrist will assess your lifestyle, morphology, exercise level, history, and any diseases during your session.
In a static phase, they will inspect your feet for blood circulation, skin health, sensitivity, and discomfort. During the dynamic phase of the examination, the podiatrist will look at your gait and how it affects your posture and back. Your foot positioning on the ground, your support points, your balance, and the sort of shoes you wear will all be assessed by the podiatrist.
They will examine these factors and, based on your lifestyle, will be able to make a diagnosis, create a treatment plan, and advise you on best practices to follow.
Who should receive a foot health follow-up?
The podiatric assessment can be performed regardless of the age and condition of the patient.
People with chronic disorders like diabetes or renal failure, as well as individuals with a malformation or deformity of the foot, might benefit from this technique if they undertake it on a regular basis.
It is an assessment that may be done on young children as early as the first year of walking to minimize any difficulties during their development. In this scenario, the podiatrist will examine the child’s posture and gait to determine whether an orthosis or a form of shoe tailored to the foot’s support is required.
Adults and athletes who are experiencing discomfort, whether chronic or not, or who are finding themselves hampered in their activities might seek assistance from a podiatrist on how to avoid damage or worsening of the ailment.
This assessment, however, is not just meant to correct or improve the gait of active patients; it may also help persons who are less active, such as retirees or elderly, feel more comfortable. To prevent falls, the podiatrist will focus on the patient’s balance and stability. Following up on the patient’s foot health will help them to retain their level of comfort.
Your podiatrist’s therapeutic program and prescription
The podiatrist will devise a treatment plan based on your lifestyle and the results of the biomechanical assessment of your feet.
The treatment will take into account:
- your past surgeries;
- your level of activity;
- your expectations;
- the morphological particularities of your feet and the chain of your lower limbs.
Depending on the situation, the podiatrist may recommend custom-made foot orthotics. Because they are molded to the patient’s foot to relieve pressure points and restore musculoskeletal balance, they are suited for various sorts of patients.
The podiatrist can treat calluses, ingrown toenails, and warts on your foot using mechanical, surgical, and pharmaceutical methods.
Finally, podiatrists are qualified to execute certain manipulations on your feet’s joints, which will relieve tension as well as make them less uncomfortable.
A podiatric assessment is a check-up that ensures your feet are in good health
A regular check-up of your feet, which your podiatrist may schedule throughout the year, will help you to identify any potential problems with your feet and obtain treatment as soon as possible. Consult the list of our clinics to make an appointment today.