Podiatry (Medical Foot Care)

Podiatry is a branch of science that deals with foot health and diseases. It is a discipline that works in cooperation with physicians with protective and preventive methods for healthy feet and preventive treatment methods for foot diseases.

Early diagnosis is also very important for diseases that can be seen on the foot. Podiatrists who are trained in this field evaluate the foot from every aspect, direct the patient to the specialist physician, help with early diagnosis and treatment, and play an important role in post-treatment care.

Medical Foot Care

In medical foot care, dry podiatry devices, sterilized nail cutting forceps and protective preventive designed devices are used. Dead parts of the skin and nail are mechanically cleaned, since living tissue is not used, the patient does not feel any pain or suffering during this procedure. In medical foot care, not only nail and skin care but also the patient's entire foot is evaluated. In this evaluation; the condition of the skin, the appearance of the veins, whether there is any nerve loss, measurements and guidance are made for the right shoes and socks. Medical foot care is different from pedicure procedure, in this procedure the feet are not put into water or wet, they are only disinfected. Because in wet skin, it is not possible to distinguish between dead tissue and healthy tissue, if this distinction cannot be made, the healthy skin thickens and hardens in order to protect itself. While this situation increases the frequency of pedicure, since only dead tissue is used in medical foot care, it is sufficient to have maintenance once a month.

Fungal Nail Care

Nail fungus is one of the most common nail diseases. Due to the color changes and deformities in the nail, it disturbs patients aesthetically and negatively affects the person's quality of life. This disorder, which can occur when different types of fungi settle in the nail, causes the nail to grow late. If left untreated, the fungus can progress to the nail root and settle in the entire nail, the nail thickens and deforms. For the treatment of nail fungus; the thickened nails are brought to normal thickness with a milling device and the mechanical cleaning that facilitates the treatment is done by the podiatrist. Since fungi love moist and dark environments, the podiatrist explains shoe and sock cleaning and daily foot care of the patients. Fungal nails; with the cooperation of the dermatologist, patient and podiatrist, regain their healthy appearance in the shortest time.

Ingrown Nail Care

Due to incorrect cutting of nails, genetic predispositions, wrong shoes and deterioration of the nail bed, the nail grows towards the skin around it and after a while it causes discomfort to the patient, this condition is called ingrown toenail. The ingrown problem, which is usually seen in big toe nails, can also be seen in small nails, if this discomfort in the nails is not treated early, an infection can occur in the skin around the nail. Usually, in pedicure salons or patients try to remove the ingrown nail by their own efforts. However, removing the ingrown nail is not a permanent solution, in order to produce a permanent solution, the nail is examined by podiatrists and the appropriate system is applied according to the nail thickness and daily activities of the person. The nail bed is corrected and the nail is prevented from ingrowing again with wire systems applied by the podiatrist or materials glued to the nail.

Callus Care

A callus is the thickening and hardening of the skin that is exposed to pressure and friction to protect itself. Calluses can occur due to factors such as using the wrong shoes, wrong socks, foot and toe deformities and people stepping incorrectly. Calluses, which are only an aesthetic problem for some people, also start to put pressure on nerve endings and capillaries when exposed to more pressure and friction. For this reason, they can cause very serious pain in many people. Calluses, especially those that form between the toes, negatively affect a person's daily life.

In the podological care of calluses, after an examination is performed to understand where the callus has reached, the calluses are cleaned painlessly with milling devices. However, since mechanical cleaning alone will not be a permanent solution, it is aimed to get rid of the patient's pain in a single session by looking at the cause of the callus and using materials that will reduce the load around the area where there is pressure or friction.

Foot Care for Diabetic Patients

In people with diabetes, foot problems are more common than in people without diabetes and carry special risks. The feet, which are under pressure, are the organ most vulnerable to injuries. Problems occur due to reasons such as choosing the wrong shoes and socks, or cutting the nails incorrectly. In some patients, pain, temperature and touch sensations may decrease as a result of nerve dysfunction. For this reason, the person cannot notice their wounds or foreign objects stuck in their feet, and not noticing the wound carries a great risk of infection. The podiatrist first performs foot sensory tests (pain, temperature and touch sensation tests) and pulse checks, and informs the specialist physician at certain periods, while also providing patient education by working protectively and preventively to prevent patients from reaching the level of diabetic feet and to prevent foot wounds.

Foot Care for Athletes

Due to the excessive load on the feet of athletes, a wide variety of dermatological problems such as nail and finger deformities and skin diseases are seen. Early recognition of these problems can prevent possible performance decline in athletes. The athlete's podologic care plan is created according to the branch of sport in a way that does not interfere with their activities and protective methods are applied to prevent problems from reoccurring.

4. Plantar Fasciitis

A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes. Podiatrists use physical therapy, special insoles, and exercise programs to treat plantar fasciitis.

5. Heel Spur

A heel spur is a bony protrusion that forms on the underside of the heel bone. This condition can cause pain when walking and standing. Podiatrists recommend orthopedic supports, exercises, and, when necessary, surgical interventions for the treatment of heel spurs.

6. Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that form when the skin is subjected to constant pressure and friction. These conditions can cause pain and discomfort. Podiatrists offer a variety of methods for treating and preventing corns and calluses.

7. Foot Deformities

Foot deformities are abnormalities in the foot structure. These include hallux valgus (big toe protrusion), flat feet, and hammertoes. Podiatrists use orthopedic devices, special shoes, and surgical interventions when necessary to treat these deformities.

8. Walking Disorders

Gait disorders are problems that occur as a result of abnormal foot movement or stepping. Podiatrists diagnose these disorders by performing gait analysis and recommend appropriate orthopedic devices or exercise programs for treatment.

9. Foot and Ankle Sprains

Ankle and foot sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn. This can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. Podiatrists treat sprains with physical therapy, bandaging, and, when necessary, surgical interventions.

10. Circulatory Problems

Inadequate blood circulation in the feet can lead to a variety of health problems. This condition is often caused by diseases such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or venous insufficiency. Podiatrists offer appropriate treatment methods and care recommendations for managing circulatory problems.

Podiatry offers a wide range of services to maintain and improve foot health. It is important for individuals experiencing any foot and ankle problems to seek appropriate treatment and care by consulting a podiatrist.

What are Podiatry Examinations?

Podiatry examinations are detailed examinations performed to evaluate the patient's foot health. During the examination, the patient's foot structure, skin, nails and ankle are carefully examined. In addition, the patient's walking pattern and foot stepping pattern are analyzed. If necessary, a more detailed evaluation is performed using X-rays and other imaging techniques. These examinations are very important for the early diagnosis and treatment of foot diseases.

What Methods Are Used in the Treatment of Podiatric Diseases?

Various methods are used in the treatment of podiatric diseases. These methods include drug therapy, physical therapy, orthopedic devices (insoles and orthoses), surgical interventions and wound care. Special care protocols are applied for diabetic foot wounds. In addition, special treatment methods have been developed for problems such as foot fungus and ingrown toenails. Podiatrists determine and apply the most appropriate treatment method according to the patient's condition.

When Should You Go to the Podiatry Department?

If you have any problems with your foot health, you should consult a podiatrist. Especially foot pain, nail problems, fungal infections on the skin, calluses and similar problems, diabetic foot wounds, walking disorders, etc., you should consult a podiatrist. In addition, it is beneficial to have a podiatrist examination at regular intervals to protect your foot health and prevent future problems.

What is done during a podiatry examination?

During a podiatric examination, the patient's complaints and medical history are first evaluated. Then, the foot structure, skin condition, nails and ankle are examined in detail. A gait analysis can be performed and, if necessary, a more detailed evaluation can be made using X-rays or other imaging techniques. After the examination, a diagnosis is made and an appropriate treatment plan is determined. The podiatrist makes the necessary recommendations to the patient on protecting and improving foot health.