Physical therapists and podiatrists are two groups of providers that render treatment to patients with foot and ankle injuries or problems. What can each group offer for foot and ankle injuries and problems?
Physical therapists evaluate quality of function and movement and utilize methods of strengthening and balance to restore function. Podiatrists are physicians and surgeons of the foot and ankle.
Whereas a physical therapist concentrates on rehabilitation, a podiatrist will concentrate on assessment and treatment. A podiatric physician evaluates the structure and function of all systems of the foot and ankle and may perform or order imaging studies such as x-rays and MRIs if needed to diagnose the problem, and utilize various treatments to address the problem, including physical therapy, other non-surgical modalities, or surgery.
If there are fractures, dislocations or tendon tears, for example, initial immobilization for a certain period of time is needed to help the weight bearing structures to heal. Podiatrists will prescribe the proper immobilization if resting the injured part is needed, or strengthening and activity if that is needed. It is advisable to seek the opinion of a podiatrist to see if other treatment is required, or just rehabilitation.
Besides injuries, patients may have structural problems that lead to painful conditions. For example, a patient may have a flat, pronated or collapsed arch which may lead to overuse of certain tendons, pain on the bottom of the foot, or deformities such as bunions. Podiatrists may correct for these structural problems with biomechanical devices such as custom molded functional orthotics. Like eyeglasses or contact lenses which modify the angles of light coming into the eye, orthotics modify the angles of gait to lessen the load on certain structures so that pathologic conditions do not progress.
Physical therapists rely on training the foot to move a certain way. It may take years of physical therapy to come close to the correction a custom orthotic can give. It is very difficult to replicate and sustain correct neutral joint angles, and it may be too much to expect of the structures, which carry the whole body weight. One may learn to squint to see, but it is much better to have a pair of glasses or contact lenses to see 20/20. It is advisable to seek the opinion of a podiatrist to determine if biomechanical correction is indicated.
One of the most effective modalities that sports medicine podiatrists employ is extracorporeal shockwave therapy, which works to debride and repair damaged tendons and ligaments naturally whether they are acutely injured, or if there is a chronic injury with pain present for a long time.
Further, podiatrists may prescribe medication and perform surgical correction if necessary to address severe conditions such as fractures, tendon ruptures or deformities. It is advisable to seek
the opinion of a podiatrist to determine if these treatments can be helpful.
Physical therapy is important for strengthening after a period of needed immobilization to get back to sports or activities, or if there are weak muscles that need to be strengthened for balance or proper gait. However, physicians and surgeons such as podiatrists should be consulted to treat injuries and foot conditions, as they can assess and treat them, using radiography, immobilization, custom orthotics, medication, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, refer to physical therapy and perform surgery if necessary.
Family Foot and Leg Center in Fort Myers, by Gulf Coast Hospital, offers both podiatric evaluation and Physical Therapy for your convenience. Come in for a consultation today!
Family Foot and Leg Center
6846 International Center Blvd, Suite B
Fort Myers, FL 33912
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com