In addition to general practitioners, there are a variety of doctors and specialists that many people visit on a regular basis. Nutritionists, dermatologists, chiropractors, dentists, physiotherapists can all be involved in your healthcare routine depending on your health concerns and priorities.
If you have health concerns or are just very conscious of your overall health and preventing diseases, a chiropodist should be an important member of your healthcare team that you visit regularly. They can successfully work to diagnose and prevent both issues with the feet and more general health issues with the entire body.
Benefits of Working with A Chiropodist
Did you know that health problems often manifest or show symptoms first in the legs and feet? When you get sick, the body relies on its immune response, which is carried within the blood flow. The blood flow and immune response is focused on the areas that need it, and since the feet are the farthest extremity from the heart, problems with circulation are often evident first. This can indicate a more serious problem or health concern in the body.
Some examples of this are:
- Pins and needles or numbness in the feet can be a sign of diabetes.
- Severe dry skin or constantly freezing feet can be linked to various thyroid problems
- Frequent foot cramping can indicate nutritional deficiencies (like lacking potassium or magnesium) or dehydration.
- A suddenly enlarged big toe can be caused by gout, infection, arthritis, or other inflammatory issues.
- Yellowed nails can be an indication of a nail fungus.
- Balding toes (toes that previously grew hair but now do not) indicate serious problems with circulation.
A proper foot exam can reveal signs and symptoms of systemic issues in the body such as arthritis, heart disease or failure, anemia, autoimmune disorders, liver and kidney malfunctions, and so much more. A chiropodist should always be part of your healthcare team when it comes to disease prevention, long term treatment plans, and particularly chronic disease management.
A Chiropodist To Work With Other Healthcare Practitioners
A chiropodist is able to work closely with a variety of other healthcare professionals to provide you with the best level of care possible. We can work with surgeons and physiotherapists regarding injuries with the foot or ankle. We can discuss healthcare concerns with general practitioners to find the best course of treatment for various stresses, injuries, or health conditions.
A chiropodist’s unique training and focus on the foot and ankle makes them the best healthcare professional for taking care of your feet! Contact one of the professionals at Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic to see how we can be a member of your healthcare team.
Book an appointment today.