What Does a Podiatrist Do in Toronto?

Most people want well-groomed feet and toenails. Some take care of their feet at home, and others leave foot care in professional hands. Depending on whether the feet are healthy or whether there are foot problems or are feared, there are different situations. It is important to know the difference between cosmetic and medical foot care.

Cosmetic foot care includes purely preventive and nourishing measures. Above all, this includes the professional cutting and cleaning of the nails and the removal of thickened nails and skin that have no pathological cause, such as nail fungus.

In the case of serious foot problems, doctors refer their patients to podiatrists in Toronto and medical podiatrists. Podiatrists dedicate themselves to the treatment of (painful) complaints and changes in the foot – including the skin and nails. Podiatrists work in an interdisciplinary manner with doctors, physiotherapists, and orthopedic shoe technicians.

What exactly does a podiatrist do in Toronto?

From support with mycoses therapies and the treatment of ingrown toenails to the treatment of the feet of diabetics: the range of services provided by podiatrists is broad.

Treatment of nail fungus

Podiatrists can also treat nail fungus under medical guidance. There are various treatment methods for this:

• For the conventional treatment of nail fungus, the podiatrist roughens the respective nail surface by grinding so that the nail becomes more permeable and the active ingredients of the creams or varnishes that are then applied to fight the fungus can penetrate better. At the following appointments, the podiatrist then grinds off the nail parts softened by these antimycotics and then applies the agent again. The treatment extends over a longer period of time.

• Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT) is one way of shortening the treatment time. Here, after a special dye has been applied, a special light is used to treat the nail fungus. This can kill or inactivate or greatly reduce bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

• Another way to treat nail fungus is through laser treatment. However, effectiveness has not yet been clearly proven.

Other areas of responsibility of podiatrists

Podiatrists also treat warts, corns, hyperkeratosis (excessively thickened calluses), and ingrown nails. Ingrown nails can arise for a variety of reasons – including wearing the wrong footwear. Sometimes an ingrown nail can be so painful that it can even be difficult for those affected to bear the duvet on the corresponding toe. Podiatrists can then perform toenail corrections with so-called nail braces to treat the nail problem.

Also, podiatrists can make artificial nail replacements for deformed toenails and relieve painful feet with taping. You can also treat the feet of diabetics. The feet of this group of people need an extra dose of attention. Because high blood sugar can damage the nerve tracts and blood vessels. As a result, wounds can easily develop on foot and become infected. The range of services of a podiatrist also includes instructions for preventive foot gymnastics and the implementation of preventive foot massages.

When should you see a podiatrist? Are you located in Toronto?

While the essential elements of cosmetic foot care treatment can be performed at home alone, there are indications that medical foot care may be necessary. For example, this can be the case:

• if warts or corns have developed;

• if the toenails change shape and colour noticeably;

• if you have diabetes mellitus, as people’s skin can be particularly prone to wounds and injuries

• if the symptoms of athlete’s foot and nail fungus become noticeable.