The Science of Foot Care
PODIATRY
Though the carvings on entrance of Ankmahor’s tomb dated about 2400 BC happen to be the first known depiction of hands and feet care, more recently we have records of the King of France appointing a personal podiatrist. So also, we know of a dedicated podiatrist being appointed by the President of United States, Abraham Lincoln, to care for his feet. By the 20th Century, Podiatry gained significant popularity as an independent stream of healthcare in the West….
The first society of Podiatrists were established in New York in 1895, and the same continues to operate even today as NYSPMA. In an era of health specialty and super-specialty, Podiatry as a profession has been gaining wider attention and acceptance by healthcare givers and seekers, alike. Here let’s try and understand as to what makes this trade so popular?
Who is a Podiatrist ?
A Podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), a physician/surgeon who treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. A Podiatrist doesn’t go to the conventional medical school, instead they have an independent professional association and schools that provide foot related medical training.
What does a Podiatrist do ?
As medical specialists, Podiatrists work on problems that affect our feet or lower legs. They can do surgery, reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, and order lab tests or X-rays…They can treat injuries as well as complications affecting the health of one’s feet or lower legs.
Why is Podiatry growing in popularity ?
Feet are complex anatomical structures, all-in-one stabilizers, shock absorbers, and propulsion engines that are instrumental to overall health and well-being. Undoubtedly, they require expert care, and this awareness is gaining greater acceptance with the GenNext. Moreover, as some podiatrist also specialise in different areas of foot medicine – wound care, sports medicine, diabetes, paediatric, sprains, arthritis, ulcers, foot prosthetics… the profession is gaining in popularity.
When should one visit a Podiatrist ?
-Dr Shobha Tawde
