The feet are one of the most important parts of the human bodyTherefore, its care acquires great importance. In this way, pathologies that affect the patient's quality of life will be avoided. When symptoms or pain appear, it is important to go to a specialist who can make a complete diagnosis.
What is podiatry?
Podiatry is the medical specialty that studies and treats diseases and disorders of the feet.. Likewise, the podiatrist carries out prevention treatments for possible pathologies that affect the health of the feet.
What pathologies does podiatry treat?
Podiatry treats different foot conditions, especially those related to the skin and nails. One of the most common pathologies treated by podiatry is fungal infections., which develop in humid environments and can cause itching and discomfort in the patient.
Besides, It is common to visit the podiatrist due to the appearance of ingrown toenails, normally caused by poor nail cutting, or papillomas, which are produced by the introduction of the papilloma virus into the foot, through small cuts or wounds.
Finally, in many cases, Excessive sweating can cause the patient to go to the podiatry office., to avoid triggering pathologies.
When to go to the podiatrist
If symptoms such as pain or bad odor appear, the patient should go to the podiatrist., so that you can evaluate the symptoms and apply the appropriate treatment, if necessary. In the case of hardness or calluses on the sole of the foot, it is recommended to make an appointment with a podiatrist so that they can be treated correctly, since home treatment can often aggravate the symptoms and cause more serious pathologies.
On the other hand, The patient should go to the podiatrist if any changes in the footprint appear., that cause pain or make it difficult to carry out usual activities, to undergo a study of the footprint with the aim of avoiding injuries in other parts of the body caused by poor foot support.
How are podiatry and podiatric traumatology different?
As has been seen, The podiatrist treats infectious pathologies, mostly related to the skin and nails of the foot. However, within traumatology, there is a branch that is responsible for studying and treating bone and muscle pathologies of the foot, this is podiatric traumatology.
Pathologies treatable by podiatric traumatology
As has been explained, Podiatric traumatology treats all pathologies related to the bones, cartilage and muscles of the foot.. Some of the injuries most treated by podiatric traumatologists are sprains and fractures or bone fissures. Furthermore, it is common for patients with degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis, to go to the podiatric traumatologist when they express pain, especially located in the toes.
On the other hand, The podiatric traumatologist can treat cartilage injuries and those located in the Achilles tendon, as well as alterations in the fingers, such as, hammer toes or bunions.
What diagnostic tests are used to detect foot injuries?
A correct diagnosis is key to treating any foot condition. First, the specialist performs a clinical evaluation to identify painful areas, gait abnormalities, or deformities. Based on this, they may order additional tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs, which allow for a more detailed examination of joints, tendons, cartilage, and bones.
In cases of gait abnormalities, a biomechanical study is usually performed to analyze how the feet are supported when walking, thus obtaining a complete diagnosis and a treatment tailored to each patient.
Podiatric trauma treatments
Once the patient has attended the podiatric traumatologist's office, an evaluation of the injury will be carried out. First, a physical palpation will be performed, in which those points where the patient experiences the most pain will be studied. In many cases, it will be necessary to perform complementary diagnostic tests, such as x-rays or MRIs.
Once the diagnosis is made, the most appropriate treatment will be applied to the patient's pathology. In patients who show alterations in their gait, the most effective treatment is usually the prescription of Orthopedic soles, which will be personalized and will be prepared based on the study of the patient's foot.
In the most severe cases, in which the patient requires surgery, it may be carried out foot microsurgery, in which local anesthesia is applied and the patient is discharged a few hours after the intervention. In recent years, surgeries are being carried out using ankle arthroscopy, in which a camera is introduced that allows the joint to be observed in its entirety.
In many cases, after the evaluation and diagnosis of the pathology, the traumatologist prescribes rehabilitative treatment, supervised by a specialized physiotherapist.
What are the differences between using orthotic insoles and podiatric treatment?
Orthopedic insoles are used when there is a problem with gait, as they correct foot support and distribute weight more evenly across the foot. They are custom-made after a biomechanical assessment, making them very effective for recurring pain, overuse injuries, plantar fasciitis, or recurrent sprains.
On the other hand, and in a very different way, podiatric treatment addresses skin and nail pathologies, such as fungal infections, calluses, papillomas, or ingrown toenails. These two fields are different but complementary, since while the podiatrist treats superficial alterations, the podiatric orthopedist corrects the underlying cause of the pain.
What is the relationship between foot strike and knee, hip, or back pain?
The way we place our feet when walking directly influences the alignment of our knees, hips, and lower back. A pronated gait, where the foot bears weight on the inner side, or a supinated gait, where the foot bears weight on the outer side, can create biomechanical imbalances that lead to muscle strain and joint problems, causing pain in areas seemingly unrelated to the foot. For example, incorrect foot support can contribute to plantar fasciitis, knee pain while running, hip discomfort, or even recurring lower back pain.
Gait analysis is incredibly beneficial as it allows for the identification of imbalances and their correction through custom orthotics or specific exercises. It not only addresses foot pain but also prevents injuries in other parts of the body related to poor foot support.
What symptoms indicate that a foot problem needs urgent attention?
Certain foot problems require immediate diagnosis by a podiatrist or podiatric orthopedist. Sudden, intense pain, obvious swelling, inability to bear weight on the foot, or redness accompanied by heat are signs that may indicate an infection, a fracture, or a serious tissue injury.
It is also important to consider urgent wounds that do not heal, especially in diabetic patients, as they can progress rapidly and compromise foot health. If any of these symptoms appear, it is essential to consult a specialist to avoid further complications.
How to take care of the health of your feet?
In some cases foot pathologies are inevitable, however, It is important to follow certain guidelines that can help prevent foot injuries. The quality of the footwear acquires special importance, It is important to wear shoes made of breathable materials, and with sufficient width. In addition, it is recommended to avoid or limit pointed and high-heeled shoes to specific occasions.
On the other hand, It is recommended to hydrate your feet constantly, to avoid the appearance of hardness and calluses, as well as to avoid walking barefoot on hard or rough surfaces.
As has been seen, Taking care of the health of your feet is essential to prevent appearedon of pathologies that may affect the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to follow certain guidelines and see a specialist periodically.
53 thoughts on “Podología y traumatología: patologías y tratamientos”
Hello, it is true that podiatrists are great foot surgeons. My podiatrist operated on my bunions and now I'm doing great.
Good morning, Blas.
Thank you very much for commenting on our blog. If you suffer from a trauma injury, do not hesitate to contact our team. specialist traumatologists.
All the best.
Hello, good morning, I have a small lump on the instep of the. Left foot that when I stand or walk for a long time, it swells and hurts so much that the pain radiates to my leg, it becomes numb and painful. My question is where should I go? Thank you.
Hello Julia,
You have to go to a traumatologist, you have to check it and analyze if it is urgent to remove it.
Greetings.
I recommend everyone visit a podiatrist at least once a year. I suffered from my feet until a podiatrist helped me solve all my problems.
Thank you very much for your contribution, Roberto!
I have a lot of pain in my feet, especially in my toes. The pain is constant, whether I'm resting or exercising. And I feel numbness when I cross my legs or even when I'm sitting.
Hello rosa,
We're sorry you're experiencing pain. In order to provide a diagnosis, a doctor from our team would need to examine you and order the necessary tests, as there are multiple conditions that could cause this pain. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment, and our team will be happy to help you.
Greetings.
Hello. I walk with one foot pronated and the other supine. My whole body hurts but the pain in my foot is unbearable and I don't know whether to go to the podiatrist or the traumatologist. Thank you
Good morning, Yolanda.
Thank you very much for commenting on our blog. For cases like yours, we recommend consulting with a specialist traumatologist, as it could be a trauma injury that spreads the pain to the rest of the body. You can contact our team of traumatologists at the following link: https://elgeaditraumatologia.com/contacto/
All the best.
The Traumatologist is obvious, and the rest with the Dermatologist. "podiatrists" ARE NOT DOCTORS, who follow a 7-year career plus 3 specialty years.
Which specialist should I go to? I have been suffering from heel spurs for 2 years and my problem is becoming more acute.
Hello Marlen,
Thank you very much for your comment on our blog. For cases as specific as the one you present, we recommend that you consult with a specialist traumatologist for a comprehensive diagnosis of your pathology and the most appropriate treatment for it. You can contact our team of traumatologists at the following link: https://elgeaditraumatologia.com/contacto/
All the best.
I need help about a year ago I got a pimple, it went away because I started taking medication but then the soles of my feet turned purple and then they turned very red when I took the tines off and they smell very bad it makes me sad and I left A podiatrist told me it was athlete's foot and I bought what he sent me but it still doesn't go away and I went to a dermatologist and he told me I was nervous and that's why I have doubts about my feet too.
Hello Guadalupe, in order to give an accurate diagnosis we have to see you in consultation, we cannot do it without a physical examination. We're sorry. A hug.
Who can I go to? My grandson has a deformity in his little toe on both feet. It is hereditary. The child is 11 years old and his toes are smaller than normal and they are further apart than normal.
Hello Guadalupe, the best option is to make an appointment with a podiatrist or traumatologist specialized in the lower body and thus obtain an accurate assessment. A hug and thank you for your question.
Hello!
My foot hurts a lot when I get out of bed and when I twist my toes, which specialist should I go to? Thank you very much in advance.
Good morning, Carmen.
Thanks for your comment. In your case, it would be necessary for you to go to our trauma clinic, where we can offer you a complete medical diagnosis.
All the best.
Hello, I had bunion surgery a whopping 40 years ago, the toe on my left foot has become very deformed in recent months and I don't know who to turn to... podiatrist or traumatologist
Thank you
Hello Gabriela,
We would have to assess exactly, you can stop by our clinic and we will analyze it without problem.
A hug!
Good morning!
I have pain in the instep of my left foot and swelling that extends to my ankle.
I went to my primary doctor and he prescribed anti-inflammatories (arcoxia) and also cold treatment. I've been doing this for over a week and it's still the same. What do you advise me to do?
Should I go to the traumatologist or podiatrist?
Hello Dolores, the truth is that if the pain persists, it is best to go to a specialist to examine you physically. All the best.
Hello, my son got a nail on his big toe. The podiatrist took out half of the nail. It got infected and it hurts a lot. They recommend that I go to a surgeon to operate on the finger, removing the rest of the nail and opening a correct path for it. (He is 25 years old.) Your podiatrist will do the treatment, you should come back when your finger hurts. He is a chef.
Hello Rosa, unfortunately without exploring the case we cannot give a diagnosis, it is necessary to analyze the tests and above all see your child in person. All the best.
The nails on my big toes hurt a lot, plus the one on the left, and they don't grow almost at all. I should consult a specialist.
Hello Concha, first of all go to the podiatrist. A hug.
I have a fibula fracture, which specialist should I go to? And if the primary doctor has the possibility of treating me? Thank you very much for your reply.
Hello Catalina, go to a knee and ankle specialist traumatologist, it is the best option.
A hug.
Hello, my child's feet hurt a lot when he plays soccer for a while, and his big toe feels crooked, that is, it feels like it is turning inward. Who can I go to with a podiatrist or traumatologist?
Hello Rosa Maria,
You can make an appointment by calling (+34) 910 053 90. We are waiting for you.
Greetings
Good evening, my father has had a wound on his big toe for more than a month that he has self-medicated and has not been able to close (he is diabetic). My question is which specialist should I go to in these cases. I await your quick response, seriously, I am very worried about your finger.
Hello Leslie,
It is urgent that you go to an emergency doctor to check it as soon as possible.
Greetings.
Hello, good morning… I am Gudelia from Mexico.
After 3 weeks the heel of my left foot began to hurt on the sole. Sometimes when I got up and other times when I stopped walking.
Which specialist should I go to because on the right side I have grade 1 hip coxastrocis, I don't know if that's why my groin hurts.
Hello Gudelia,
You have to go to a trauma doctor to check you out.
Greetings
Which specialist do I go to? My nails on my big toes grow like 'staples' inward, although I periodically go to the podiatrist to cut them due to their shape, they invariably bleed and it is painful. They recommended that I find a specialist who would remove part of my nails from both sides with surgery.
But what specialist does that?
Hello Edith, you should go to a traumatologist.
Our specialists will be happy to assist you in our clinic. You can make your appointment by calling 91 005 39 00
Greetings
Good morning... approximately eight months ago I hit the big toenail on my foot... a few days later it came off and I removed it... now it's deformed and it's just beginning to grow... what specialist should I go to?
Hello Lilia,
You can approach a podiatrist to have it checked.
Greetings
Hello
For about 3 years now I have been suffering from a strong burning sensation on the sole of my foot. Now, as time has passed, the pain has become unbearable and recently a lump appeared on my foot. I want to consult a specialist but I don't know why. which one should go
Hello Antonio,
You should go to a traumatologist who will probably order an ultrasound and/or MRI.
If you want to make an appointment at our clinic you can call 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Hello! I have a purple spot on my big toe and it is also split on one side, I think it is a fungus but I have had it for a long time and the pinkish purple spot does not go away, which specialist should I go to? Why do some people tell me with a derma and others with a podiatrist? Thank you
Hello Gabriel,
You should go to the dermatologist.
Greetings
Hello everyone, a week ago I stepped on a football with my right foot and the heel of my tennis shoe was torn. It hurts when I put my heel down. Who should I see?
All the best.
Hello Moses,
See an orthopedic surgeon: You may have plantar fasciitis or an Achilles tendon injury.
If you want to make an appointment you can do so at 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Hello, where should I go to treat my child's footsteps and fascia? A podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon?
And for a very ugly hardness on the foot bone near the little toe?
Thank you so much!
Hello Ana,
You can make an appointment at our center by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
For about a month now, I've felt numbness in half of my big toe. It's really annoying not to feel the whole toe. I don't know which doctor to go to. Thanks. Regards.
Hi Pamela, I am very sorry to hear that you are experiencing this discomfort. Based on what you have told us, we recommend that you consult with an orthopedic surgeon so that he can evaluate your case and determine the cause of the numbness in your big toe.
If you wish, you can contact us for advice and schedule an appointment with our specialists. Do not hesitate to call us at (+34) 91 005 39 00.
Hello, my son has curved toes, I think they look like claws, he is 22 years old. What specialist do you recommend please 🙏?
Hello Virginia,
Thank you for your inquiry. Curled toes, such as those you describe, could be related to a number of different conditions. We recommend that you see an orthopedic specialist to evaluate the situation and determine the exact cause. In some cases, treatment may include exercises, orthotics, or in more complex situations, surgical intervention.
If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our specialists by calling (+34) 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Hello, I greet you from Ecuador, Quito
What can you recommend in the following case: My 91-year-old mother suffers from advanced Alzheimer's disease and is completely dependent on the care of a nurse. She has indicated that she has observed that the nails on her first and second toes have a fungal infection, and that when the patient manipulates them, she shows signs of pain on her face and evasive movements of her foot. Half of the nail has come off.
Please confirm receipt and response, thank you.
Hello,
We are very sorry to hear about your mother's situation and understand how delicate it is to deal with these problems. Nail detachment and signs of fungal infection can cause considerable discomfort. It is important to have the infection evaluated by a specialist, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist, to determine the appropriate treatment.
In the meantime, I suggest keeping your nails dry and clean, and avoiding excessive manipulation to prevent further damage. A local antifungal treatment may be necessary, but it is essential that a professional assess your situation and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Greetings.