After all, what does a podiatrist do?

You may have heard of this professional, but you may not really know what his or her attributions are. Exactly what does a podiatrist do? Many people confuse her work with that of a pedicure, just because both work with the feet.

In fact, the performance is different, because the podiatrist takes care of the health of the feet with a more systemic view and the pedicure has a more aesthetic view. Another difference is the regulation of the two professions. The pedicure exercises the activity after taking a quick course or even learning the art of beautifying the feet by herself.

Want to know more about what a podiatrist does? Read on and learn about the skills and lots of other important information about this profession!

What does a podiatrist do?

A podiatrist or podiatrist is a kind of professional who needs to have an eye that goes beyond people’s feet. Many times, the feet are a sign of a much more complex health problem.

Brings together various skills 

This professional must have a more complete vision when examining a person, so it is also necessary to exercise listening skills, to gather information about the health and life habits of each individual.

Another issue is related to diffuse attention, very important for this professional. He treats the feet, but signs and discomfort can appear in other parts of the body. Furthermore, expertise and care when performing the interventions are also crucial. It is necessary to be delicate and very careful when handling the scalpel and other instruments.

Acts in several places 

While the pedicure generally works in beauty salons, the professional who works in podiatry can practice in specialized health clinics, spas, foot care companies, or in larger beauty spaces.

The podiatrist can work through an employment contract, as an employee, or as a freelancer. Many professionals can organize such a defined routine that they prefer to work at home or in their own homes, having more flexibility to work.

The important thing is to make sure that this service has an adequate structure, with the appropriate equipment, stretcher, tools, and products for good customer service.

This prevents problems from arising 

As health requires a wide range of care, the podiatrist must be ready to take care not only of specific problems, such as ingrown toenails or dry feet, but also to be prepared to prevent future problems. To do so, he must make the client understand that attention needs to be daily and constant, not only when problems appear.

Prevention is essential, so foot care must exist from baby to adulthood, with even more attention for the elderly. When a person gets older, the skin dries out and the chances of problems and cracks increase. The feet of people who suffer from diabetes, for example, need proper nail clippings and constant moisturizing.

Improves foot care 

Feet require a lot of attention, which goes beyond the care provided by a podiatrist. This professional must be prepared to guide clients to extend this care. The process goes through the correct daily hygiene, the use of appropriate sapatenis, and regular visits to the podiatry professional.

People who suffer, for example, from diabetic foot and calluses need to redouble their attention, especially when they are elderly. With the monitoring of a specialized professional, the quality of life and health of those who are already in the third age, going through some chronic condition or condition, will be much better.

Helps the performance of athletes 

When thinking about what a podiatrist does, you probably didn’t think of anything related to sports performance, did you? However, this is a mistake, as there is a specific area called sports podiatry, in which there is intensive care in an attempt to alleviate the common friction on the feet of those who perform physical activities.

This professional must also analyze and monitor both light and severe injuries, acting to prevent definitive damage or injuries that compromise the athlete’s future. The sports podiatrist may work directly with teams or with elite or amateur athletes.

Treats ingrown toenails 

It is not news that the podiatrist is able to treat the dreaded and painful ingrown toenails. In fact, any intense discomfort in the corner of your fingers is already a good indication that you should seek this professional, because insisting on doing everything yourself, or only with a pedicure, can make this condition even worse and longer lasting.

Prevents and treats mycoses 

It is very likely that, at least at some point in your life, you have suffered from a very common problem: the famous mycoses. This is a situation that can affect anyone but tends to be more recurrent, especially for those who exercise and wear damp socks and shoes for a long time.

The podiatrist can act in the prevention of the condition and in its treatment when already installed. He evaluates the demand and opts for the use of substances, such as topical antifungal medications, for example. As the name implies, they eliminate the fungus and allow your feet to become healthy again.

Promotes the activation of circulation 

Another very common foot problem is lack of good circulation. This can occur only as a nuisance for the elderly, people who are more sedentary or have some predisposition, but there can also be a more serious picture, as in people with diseases such as diabetes.

In all these contexts, podiatric treatment can have a very positive impact. The professional can perform specific massages with techniques that aim to activate the blood flow in the region. In addition, he can use products such as moisturizers, which will leave the skin softer and less prone to injury.