Podologs, attēls no Pixabay.com
As the first spring breezes arrive, thoughts are already slowly drifting towards the warm season, when we will also display our feet for others to look at. This prompts you to think about whether you need extra foot care – a therapeutic pedicure or, in more serious cases, a visit to a podiatrist.
If you are wondering, what a podiatrist is – they are a foot and nail health specialist, who uses professional equipment to provide therapeutic foot care, treat foot conditions and advise on proper foot care.
When and for whom is therapeutic pedicure recommended?
Specialists recommend to everyone, including those with healthy feet, to undergo professional therapeutic pedicure procedures at least once a year. Why? Because, unlike in a beauty salon, where more attention is paid to the visual appearance of the feet, nail polish and the client's positive emotions during the procedure, a therapeutic foot care specialist will spot possible problems early, provide medical assistance if necessary, and advise on various issues affecting the well-being of feet.
People at high risk, such as diabetics or the elderly, who find it too difficult to carry out proper foot care on their own, should be especially reminded about professional foot care.
Podiatrist services for men
Specialists of the Consilium Medicum Medical Centre would like to specifically address our macho gender – men. While for most ladies, a pedicure is a normal part of their grooming routine, men still tend to see it as being only for women and something they should usually avoid. It's time to change this attitude – all people have feet, which have to endure a lot of stress as we move around every day, and it's only logical that everyone from adolescence onwards should receive high-quality, professional care for their feet.
Otherwise, you could end up in an anecdotal situation where you have to hide your unattractive feet in socks, on a hot summer day. However, you could also experience much more serious complications, where foot treatment of problems such as foot fungus or ingrown toenails, will be much longer, more difficult and more painful.
Common foot health problems
According to experts, too many patients come to the doctors with foot problems that are already quite advanced, when they interfere with their ability to work, do their hobbies and maintain their usual quality of life.
So don't delay making your appointment with a foot health specialist as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms:
- pain in the feet, toes and finger joints;
- unprecedented growths, visible deformation;
- health problems caused by flat feet or hollow feet;
- cracks in the feet, heels and between the fingers;
- appearance of corns, warts or other growths;
- changes in the texture and colour of toenails, and footwear smell;
- persistent thickening of skin on the bottom surface of the feet;
- ingrown toenails;
- increased sweating of the feet;
- any other reason causing discomfort.
Not all foot problems can be solved by a podiatrist; other specialists such as a dermatologist, surgeon, endocrinologist or technical orthopaedic physician may also have to be involved. In this case, a comprehensive treatment plan is drawn up and implemented for the patient.
Welcome summer with healthy, well-groomed and happy feet by booking a consultation with an experienced podiatrist! Your feet support your entire body and carry you every day, and they deserve it.
Podologs, attēls no Pixabay.com