Home - Kew Gardens Podiatry (2024)

FAQs

What happens at podiatry clinic? ›

Your initial consultation will see your new podiatrist assess your needs subjectively. They will listen to your concerns and details of any issues you've noticed. If it's your first appointment they will also document your medical history, and also ask a few questions about your lifestyle and health in general.

Unlike podiatrists that only treat the foot and ankle, an orthopedic doctor also treats other body parts such as the knees, hips, and spine. If podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors, orthopedists are bone and joint specialists. Orthopedists can treat various musculoskeletal issues.

At Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, our podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the foot and ankle, ranging from common concerns such as athlete's foot or bunions, to more complex issues such as bone and joint disorders, foot care for diabetics and sports injuries.

Common problems that podiatrists treat include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and athlete's foot. Treatment methods used by podiatrists can vary depending on the specific condition but often include things like orthotic devices, braces, or surgery.

The first visit is often the time to treat bunions, ingrown toenails, heel and lower back pain, circulation in your feet if you have diabetes, and foot deformities. The podiatrist might suggest orthotics, padding, or physical therapy to treat your problems. They can treat some conditions in the office.

The truth is that foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons have the most comprehensive training available for nonsurgical treatment options and have the highest level of qualifications to diagnose the root cause of any foot or ankle problem.

You are more likely to get a speedy diagnosis and treatment for foot pain from a podiatrist, since their main focus is on foot and ankle health, and they have spent their entire training and career diagnosing, treating, and preventing podiatric issues.

Podiatrists are qualified to perform surgeries on bunions, although they typically resort to surgical intervention only after first-line treatment options have been exhausted.

A podiatrist goes to Podiatric Medical School and earns the DPM degree. Like other medical schools, podiatric medical schools require the MCAT test and are competitive. However, pod schools get fewer applicants than general med schools, and are therefore easier to get into.

Your podiatrist will examine your feet, may ask you to walk or stand, and might perform additional diagnostic tests. They'll also review your health history and discuss your symptoms.

Is podiatry the same as podiatric surgery? ›

Whilst a podiatrist is not medically trained and therefore not a doctor, extensive postgraduate training enables podiatrists to perform foot surgery. Podiatric Surgeons are highly specialised only operating on the foot rather like a dental surgeon who will only treat your mouth.

What should I expect during an appointment with a podiatrist? Your podiatrist will discuss your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask about family illnesses, medicines, and allergies. They will examine you to diagnose and treat your condition.

These assessments may be carried out both barefoot and wearing shoes. The podiatrist will assess muscle strength, the range of motion at each joint and the different angles of the forefoot and rearfoot in relation to each other and the leg.

Podiatrists diagnose and treat any foot or ankle problem. They perform physical exams and use tests to identify issues that make it hard to move or use your feet and ankles. They can also perform surgery. Podiatrists treat anyone, including children.

If possible, try to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and will allow your Podiatrist to assess as far as your knees. Pants that you can roll up are particularly handy if you can't wear shorts.