Podiatry

Podiatry is a medical discipline that deals with diagnosing problems that are associated with foot and ankle like fungal toenails, fractures, warts, dry or cracked heels, blisters, sprains, flat feet, sports injuries, or any other infections. It is essential to visit a podiatrist if you have foot problems like cracked skin, pain in the feet, or discoloured nails or pain resulting from arthritis and neurological diseases.

We at Max Healthcare, are equipped with well-trained podiatrists who specialize in treating any abnormal condition associated with foot and lower limbs. They also advise the patients about the type of shoes they should wear to avoid any foot deformity or everyday foot problems. Labelled as the best Podiatry hospital, we at Max Healthcare, take special care when it comes to treating patients and giving them a healthy life.

Who is a Podiatrist?

Podiatrists are health care specialists who undergo training to diagnose, prevent, treat and acclimatize abnormal conditions of the lower limbs and feet. They also correct and prevent deformity, treat infections, relieve pain and keep people mobile and active. So, if you are experiencing any foot problems or foot disorders, plan a visit to Max Healthcare for timely treatment.

Podiatrists supply tailor-made insoles which are also known as orthotics, padding and arch support to relieve arch or heel pain. The orthotic device is put into the shoe to re-align the foot, take pressure off weak areas of the foot, or simply to make the shoes more comfortable. Heel pain treatment through the orthotic device is one of the most popular and result oriented- techniques.

Even if someone’s feet are in good condition, they should consider having a session with a Podiatrist to have the hard skin from the feet removed, toenails clipped, to find out if they are wearing the right shoes (should carry the footwear for right advice) or just to get their feet checked properly. Foot problems do not show up in an instant, they keep growing and start causing walking difficulties and other problems only when they have grown big. Furthermore, podiatrists can also assist with more complex foot problems and injuries related to sports and/or exercise.

In the first consultation session, the podiatrist usually enquires about the full medical history and performs basic tests like checking the sensation in the feet and blood circulation. A podiatrist may also check the way the patient walks and moves the lower leg joints. This helps them in diagnosing any foot problems the patient might be suffering from.

In the next step, the podiatrist will discuss the concerns with the patient and then make a diagnosis and treatment plan that suits the patient’s condition and goes well with the present health conditions. Typically, any minor problems that the podiatrist picks are treatable on the spot including removal of hard skin, corns and calluses. The removal session takes 30-60 minutes and is usually completely painless and can even be pleasant. So, if someone is having mobility issues, consulting a podiatrist should be the first step for immediate heel pain treatment and/or any other foot problems.

Diabetes Facts

The prevalence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions.

WHO predicts that developing countries will bear the brunt of this epidemic in the 21st century. Currently, more than 70% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle income countries.

• An estimated 285 million people, corresponding to 6.4% of the world's adult population, will live with diabetes in 2010. The number is expected to grow to 438 million by 2030, corresponding to 7.8% of the adult population

  • While the global prevalence of diabetes is 6.4%, the prevalence varies from 10.2% in the Western Pacific to 3.8% in the African region. However, the African region is expected to experience the highest increase. 

  • 70% of the current cases of diabetes occur in low- and middle income countries. With an estimated 50.8 million people living with diabetes, India has the world's largest diabetes population, followed by China with 43.2 million. 

  • The largest age group currently affected by diabetes is between 40-59 years. By 2030 this “record” is expected to move to the 60-79 age group with some 196 million cases. 

  • Diabetes is one of the major causes of premature illness and death worldwide. Non-communicable diseases including diabetes account for 60% of all deaths worldwide

Diabetes Patients Must Know
In India there are more than 50 million people having diabetes. There are more than 40,000 amputations every year because of diabetes in India. As everybody knows wound healing is delayed in diabetics, so diabetic patients should protect their feet from any kind of trauma, infection or any other insult. Half of the amputations are because of negligence or because of casual attitude of people about preventive diabetic foot care. Nearly 60% of diabetic have decreased or complete loss of sensation in the feet called as numbness or neuropathy. Patient may complain of burning, tingling, numbness, crawling of insect like feeling in feet or walking in a mattress like feeling which are an indicator of weakness of nerves carrying sensation for pain, touch, temperature, position and vibration. Irritability of nerves gives above mentioned symptoms to the patient.
For diabetic patients it becomes very important to take care of their feet, as rightly said “if you have diabetes, take care of your feet as you take care of your face”.

FOOT CARE TIPS FOR DIABETICS

• Check your feet every day.
• Wash your feet every day.
• Dry well your feet after bath and washing of feet, especially between the toes.
• Keep the skin soft and smooth, use moisturizing cream if your skin is dry but avoid putting cream between the toes.
• Wear extra width, extra depth and well cushioned footwear. Always wear cotton and woolen shoes.
• Take extra care to trim your nails, trim your nails straight, avoid deep cutting of your nails, you may injure the skin around the nails.
• Never use hot water bottle, heating electric pads on feet and dip your feet in hot water
• Avoid bath room surgeries for corns and calluses and do not use corn cap available in the market for removal of corns and calluses.
• Do regular exercise, as per the advice of your doctor.

Never neglect any cuts, injury to skin, swelling, redness, infection of skin and nails, take prompt medical advice, and avoid self medication.