Podiatry

Podiatry is a specialized branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Podiatrists, also known as foot and ankle specialists, are healthcare professionals who specialize in providing comprehensive care for a wide range of foot-related issues. The field of podiatry plays a vital role in maintaining mobility and ensuring overall well-being. 

Common Podiatric Conditions Treated By The Department

• Foot Pain and Discomfort: This can arise from various causes, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, and flat feet. These conditions often lead to discomfort, pain, and limited mobility.
• Ingrown Toenails: Occurring when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, ingrown toenails can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
• Fungal Nail Infections: Fungal organisms can infect the nails, causing discolouration, thickening, and fragility.
• Corns and Calluses: These are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to pressure or friction, often occurring on the toes or heels.
• Foot Deformities: Conditions like hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes involve abnormal positioning or curvature of the toes.
• Plantar Warts: These are small growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be painful when located in weight-bearing areas.
• Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often due to overuse or improper footwear, can lead to pain and difficulty walking.

Key Procedures

• Nail Procedures: This includes care for ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, and nail avulsions (removal of the nail).
• Wound Care: Treatment of foot ulcers, is particularly important for patients with diabetes, where poor wound healing can lead to serious complications.
• Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery: Corrective surgeries for common foot deformities like bunions (painful bony bumps that develop on the joint at the base of the big toe) and hammertoes (toes that are bent out of shape).
• Corticosteroid Injections: For treating inflammation in joints or around tendons in conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis.
• Orthotics and Bracing: Custom-made inserts for shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues, improve function, and relieve pain.
• Skin Care: Treatment of skin conditions like calluses, corns, warts, and athlete's foot.
• Foot and Ankle Fracture Care: Management of broken bones in the foot and ankle, including casting, splinting, or surgery.
• Arthroscopy of the Ankle: A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of conditions affecting the ankle joint.
• Diabetic Foot Management: Including regular examinations, treatment of diabetic ulcers, and preventative care to reduce the risk of foot-related complications.
• Gait Analysis and Biomechanical Assessments: Evaluating the mechanics of walking or running to identify issues that can lead to pain or injury.
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatments: Including stretching exercises, orthotics, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
• Tendon Repair Surgery: Repairing damaged tendons in the foot or ankle, such as the Achilles tendon.
• Limb Salvage Procedures: Advanced techniques to save a foot or limb from amputation, often used for severe infections or complications from diabetes.
• Amputations: In severe cases where foot infections or deformities cannot be resolved through other treatments, partial or full amputation of a toe, foot, or part of the leg may be necessary.

Key Advantages

• Improved Mobility: Podiatry interventions can alleviate pain and discomfort, allowing individuals to move more freely and engage in daily activities without limitations.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Addressing foot-related conditions improves overall well-being, as pain and discomfort are reduced, leading to a better quality of life.
• Prevention of Complications: Early intervention and preventive measures can prevent minor foot issues from escalating into more severe conditions that may require extensive treatment.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.