Anyone who travels an average of 160,000 kilometers in their human life has a right to a few strokes. But although the feet are our most important means of transport, they are usually criminally neglected in our daily hygiene. The fact that we often treat our feet stepmotherly has consequences: Feet itch, burn and swell, blisters and pressure sores form, and fungal infections threaten. In the worst case, the skin tears and infections or open wounds form.
Causes of foot problems
People with diabetes are particularly often affected by foot problems. Dry and scaly skin is the least of their symptoms. It becomes more serious when, after several years of poor blood sugar control, a nerve disorder sets in that causes injuries or heat and cold stimuli to no longer be perceived. Even the smallest cracks can then become infected without being noticed.
Many foot problems are disease-related. People with obesity, rheumatism or venous diseases also have problems with their feet. In addition, every third German citizen has athlete’s foot, which should definitely be treated so that it does not spread to the nails.
But also with incorrect loads – for example, by foot or toe misalignments – or too tight footwear, the feet report with pressure points, callus formation, corns, blisters and pain.
What is a podiatrist?
If you have foot problems, it is advisable to see a medically trained professional. This is the podiatrist for problems on and with the foot (that is, in the field of podiatry).
Podiatry is the “non-medical healing of the foot”. The training also includes specialties such as
- Anatomy
- Microbiology and
- Diabetes mellitus
Since 2002, the professional title “podiatrist / podologist” is protected by law and may only be used by people who have completed the required two-year specialized training as a state-certified podiatrist. It is now also possible to study podiatry.
For those who had already been working in medical foot care for at least five years before 2002, there was the possibility under a transitional arrangement to qualify as a podiatrist with a supplementary examination. Podiatrist is one of the health professions.
Podiatrist and chiropodist – what is the difference?
In contrast to the chiropodist, who is mainly responsible for foot aesthetics and hygiene, the podiatrist also has a sound medical expertise and usually works closely with the attending physician or a foot outpatient clinic.
Podiatrist and doctor advise and care for their customers competently, so that even the smallest changes can be detected in time and (impending) foot problems can be eliminated or at least greatly alleviated.
Help with diabetic foot syndrome
A large proportion of patients at the podiatrist suffers from diabetic foot syndrome – for them, the regular visit is particularly important. Diabetics often experience a sharp decline in vision over time, which is why they are often unable to see changes in the foot at all.
This is aggravated by peripheral polyneuropathy, which is typical of diabetes – nerve damage that causes the patient to no longer perceive pain, burning or tingling sensations. The result is inflammation and poorly healing wounds – a visit to the doctor and podiatrist is advisable.
