Podiatry (Foot Health)

Podiatry, in its most general definition, is a health and science field where preventive care for foot health is provided by relevant physicians and specialists; it deals with the treatment of problems such as hyperhidrosis, mycosis or ulceration, ingrown nails, calluses, warts, dry and cracked heels, and fungal infections.

Foot Care

Successful treatment of many of the problems we have listed above can be achieved with comprehensive care. Professional foot care, known in the medical field as “chiropody”, helps treat calluses, nail fungus, skin hardening, nail deformities, diabetic foot, and sports injuries through therapeutic or orthotic methods, while also preventing many of them.

Heel Cracks

Heel cracks, a common problem that can cause discomfort and even pain severe enough to disrupt social life, are mostly caused by dry skin and are usually seen together with yellow or brown calluses on the heel edge.

Among its causes are eczema, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. This problem can be treated with creams applied several times a day as recommended by a podiatry specialist, while in serious cases, salicylic acids, alpha hydroxy acids, and urea can be used to remove dead skin. These procedures, which may cause a slight stinging sensation on the skin, are performed by a specialist.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus infection, or “onychomycosis,” is a fairly common problem among the public that causes the nail to thicken, crack, and turn yellow or brown. This problem, which is usually not painful unless it becomes severe, occurs much more frequently in toenails than fingernails.

Nail fungus does not go away on its own if not treated by a specialist podologist and can spread to all toes over time.

Diagnosis begins with sending the fungal culture to the laboratory; then a treatment is designed according to the severity of the problem. The most common treatment used for nail fungus infection is prescription antifungal pills taken orally. In severe cases, the podologist may completely remove the nail. Recovery from the infection can take anywhere from a few months to a year.

Nail Deformities

Deformities such as spots, color changes, curving, thickening or thinning, lines, and separation that occur in the nail can arise as a result of viral warts, infections, certain medications used, or trauma received.

If the underlying cause does not indicate a disease, nail deformities can be eliminated with regular care. You can learn from your podologist what needs to be done to keep your nails healthy.