Podiatrist: women more concerned
Women are more likely to get certain foot conditions than men because they wear tighter or high-heeled shoes. Thus, it is considered that 15 to 20% of the female population will one day be the victim of a bunion on the foot. (or hallus valgus) in a more or less accentuated way (one in two women would be a victim if she regularly wears high heels).
It is the prolonged weight transfer of the body towards the front of the foot that causes this deviation of the big toe outward. So, ever since Japanese women gave up their traditional thongs for pointy, Western-style shoes, cases of hallus valgus in women in this country have increased exponentially.
However, should we abandon this type of shoe? No, it is the daily wearing of high heels that should be avoided! By varying heel heights each day, you should escape those unsightly (and painful) bunions on your feet.
Podiatrist: he also treats the skin and nails
Corns and calluses, These too painful are often manifested by excessive friction of the toes against each other or against the wall of the shoe, in which case the podiatrist scratches and sands. This specialist will always do it better than you, because he will prevent you from further skin lesions by removing these painful calluses, very annoying for simple walking.
The care of ingrown nails – often due to cutting errors in the past – is also within its competence. Orthonyxia is the treatment that consists of modifying the curvature of the nail in order to prevent the recurrence of the ingrown nail. Even a surgical act that is necessarily more restrictive.
Podiatrist or pedicurist?
In fact, it’s a bit the same. The studies remain the same. However, some choose to call themselves one or the other or even combine the two terms. To simplify, we say that the pedicure heals while the podiatrist will have more competence to design foot orthotics.
>> To read also: Our tips for pretty feet
Podiatrist: he can prescribe plantar orthotics
Plantar orthotics or orthopedic insoles prescribed by podiatry can change the pressure exerted on the toes and thus relieve certain pain. These insoles can also treat epidermal infections of the foot, or even correct odor problems.
But the podiatrist can also design a silicone device to protect or correct ailments such as corns on the foot, calluses, partridge eyes (interdigital corns), claw toes, bunions … These removable orthotics, which you wear during the day, flexible or semi-rigid will distribute the different areas of friction inside the shoe and relieve all those little ailments that ruined your life!
>> To read also: 5 tips to stop sweating on your feet
Podiatrist: he has an advisory role
If you have some foot pain, do not wait. Go see your doctor or the podiatrist directly. Although the latter’s area of competence is quite limited, he is nevertheless part of the paramedical sector – he even has his own Council of the Order recently.
Unfortunately, only high-risk diabetics or patients awaiting plantar orthotics – and on medical prescription – will receive full or partial reimbursement. The podiatrist also has an advisory role in the choice of shoes. He can also prescribe cosmetic products sold in pharmacies.
>> To read also: Sore feet: how to relieve it
