Honoring International Podiatry Day
October 8th is a very special day! Worldwide people will be celebrating International Podiatry Day. At NY Foot Health we think this is a great time to share with our patients some of the many ways your podiatrist can serve you. Of course, your podiatrist is always the one to turn to if you sustain a foot or ankle injury or if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet. Your foot doctor will also address any unusual nail or skin changes on your feet. But did you know your podiatrist can help you address these issues as well:
Risk Assessment—There are many systemic diseases that affect the health of your feet such as osteoporosis, hypertension, arthritis and heart disease. Your podiatrist can help assess your personal risk factors and provide recommendations for ways to lower your chances of developing a specific condition. The foot doctor will also educate you about signs and symptoms to look for that may be early warning signals of a health disorder.
Amputation Prevention for Diabetic Patients—Foot ulcers precede 8 out of 10 nontraumatic amputations in diabetic patients. Studies have shown podiatrists help patients significantly reduce their risk for amputation by proper wound care and teaching diabetics how to be proactive in the care of their feet. Studies show a 37% reduction in hospitalizations in NY for diabetic patients who are treated by a podiatrist.
Weight Management—Obesity or being overweight increases the risk of developing foot pain and chronic podiatric problems. Carrying excess weight also means the chances of having other health problems such as gout, arthritis, peripheral arterial disease and diabetes, which can have a negative medical impact on your feet is higher as well. Podiatrists help patients stay active—a key factor in weight management. The foot doctor can diagnose and treat foot problems and prescribe custom orthotics to make it easier to be active.
Fall Prevention—One of the biggest risks to the health of senior patients is falling. The podiatrist takes a multi-pronged approach from treating foot and ankle pain, to assessing gait, correcting biomechanical problems and referring patients to other healthcare professionals to ensure greater stability and lessening the chance of a fall.
Chronic Pain Management—Did you know the source of chronic knee, hip and back pain is often your feet? Podiatrists help patients reduce their reliance on opioids and other pain medications by treating foot problems and prescribing physical therapy, custom orthotics and other treatments that will reduce pain without drugs.
To find a podiatrist near you, use our online directory. To learn more ways your podiatrist can help protect your health, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.