Podiatric medical and surgical care is a broad term that refers to the medical and surgical treatments of the foot, ankle, leg, hip, and back conditions. These treatments vary from person to person depending on the type of injury they have. For example, a person who has fallen may require both restorative care as well as orthopedic care. That said, there are several different types of podiatry treatment options available including conservative (non-surgical) treatment, surgery or reconstructive procedures, arthroscopy, injections, and medications.
To learn more about what podiatric medical and surgical care options are available to you read on.
Common Conditions Treated by Podiatrists
Podiatrists are most commonly trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot-related disorders, but they can also provide treatments for other conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and sports injuries. They do not treat systemic illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
Common conditions treated by podiatrists include ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma (a foot pain that often occurs in the first metatarsal), hammertoe deformities, heel spurs, and cuboid and heel ulcers. They are also trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the ankle and lower leg including ankle sprains and patellofemoral syndrome.
List of Podiatric Medical and Surgical Treatments
- Conservative (non-surgical) treatment
- Therapeutic Shoes
- Orthotic care
- Surgical and reconstructive procedures
- Arthroscopy
- Injections
- Medications
Types of Podiatric Medical and Surgical Care Options
There are several different types of podiatric medical and surgical care options. One type of care is conservative, which involves non-surgical treatments such as a splint, padding, and bandages.
Another type of care is surgery or reconstructive procedures which could involve things like an operation or a cast. Some other types include arthroscopy, injections, and medications. These treatments are typically recommended by a doctor who will take into account your age and the condition’s severity before deciding what is best for you.