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Podiatrist or Physiotherapist, who to Consult?

Dr Martin Tranchemontagne, podiatrist

If you have injuries to your lower limbs or if your physical activity is causing injuries, consulting a podiatrist or a physiotherapist is a good idea.

Podiatrists and physiotherapists are two professionals with complementary areas of expertise and they can provide you with the best possible care to heal you. However, it is important to distinguish between the two professions in order to choose the one that will be most appropriate for treating your situation.

 

WHEN TO CONSULT A PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

A physiotherapist is trained to evaluate and treat injuries that occur during physical activity or that are the result of poor posture, muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, and overall mobility.

Physiotherapists can also provide advice on ergonomics, exercise regimes, and lifestyle modifications.

Make an appointment with a physiotherapist when you have recurrent or non-recurrent pain in the lower limbs or elsewhere. The physio will perform a complete biomechanical examination to give you a diagnosis.

If the diagnosis shows an anomaly in regards to the feet, the physio might recommend you to a podiatrist. This way, your physio ensures the health of the biomechanical alignment of the feet and determines if the podiatrist is able to treat your pathology or therapy.

With the collaboration of these two professionals, you will benefit from specific advice on the role of the feet in relation to the lower limbs.

WHEN TO CONSULT A PODIATRIST?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional trained to evaluate and treat foot problems or diseases, foot or ankle pain, and lower limb issues. This can include sports injuries, biomechanical problems, ingrown nails, heel pain, and plantar fasciitis.

They can also advise you on custom orthotics that will help improve the function of your feet and ankles.

Podiatrists can also perform foot cares, minor surgeries, treat chronic foot diseases, sports podiatry is offered for athletes or moderately active person, and care or exams for little ones to prevent your children from having problems in adulthood.

For example, if you have plantar fasciitis (one of the most common causes for foot pains), your podiatrist may provide treatment for plantar fasciitis and then recommend you to a physiotherapist for a full assessment of the rest of your body, especially your lower limbs.

The physiotherapist will evaluate the mechanics of your lower limbs and can advise you on the exercises, stretches, and lifestyle modifications needed to facilitate the recovery process.

Treatment of plantar fasciitis In this way, with the expertise of a podiatrist combined with that of a physiotherapist, you will have the opportunity to have an assessment of the function of your feet and the rest of the muscles of your lower limbs.

In addition, a physiotherapist will be able to give you stretching and muscle-building exercises for other parts of your body that will have an impact on your feet. With this combination, you will benefit from a faster and more efficient recovery.

When it comes to injuries or conditions related to activity or lower limbs, the best practice is to consult a podiatrist and a physiotherapist. Each of them will be able to bring a different expertise to ensure the smooth running of your healing process.

By complementing each other, these two professionals can give you the best advice on how to prevent and treat foot injuries.

IN SUMMARY, IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A PODIATRIST AND A PHYSIOTHERAPIST, AND THEN DECIDE WHICH ONE IS MOST APPROPRIATE FOR YOU.

Both professionals can be consulted at the same time or independently of each other in order to optimize your recovery and reduce the risk of further injuries.

By working together with these two experts, you will have access to a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

So, if you have any problems with your feet, lower limbs, or physical activity in general, do not hesitate to consult a podiatrist or a physiotherapist to get the best plan of treatment. With their help and advice, you can prevent and treat injuries in the most effective way possible.

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