Podiatry - Best Doctors | Virtual Consultation Available

An orthopedist is a specialist physician who has completed full medical studies and a residency in orthopedic surgery, and is qualified to diagnose and treat the entire skeletal, joint and muscular system of the body – including complex fractures, traumatic injuries and major surgery (and in the case of an orthopedist specializing in the foot and ankle, complex surgery in this area as well). A podiatrist, by contrast, is not a physician but a professional licensed by the Ministry of Health, whose entire training and work focus solely on the foot and ankle – with an emphasis on conservative treatment of skin and nail problems, fitting orthotics, preventing ulcers and performing minor, targeted surgical procedures.

In practice, the two professions do not compete with each other but complement each other. When a podiatrist identifies during an examination a complex medical problem that goes beyond their field – such as a fracture, advanced cartilage wear or the need for major orthopedic surgery – they refer the patient for further treatment with an orthopedist or another specialist physician (such as a dermatologist or vascular surgeon). This cooperation is especially prominent in dedicated diabetic foot clinics, where, according to Ministry of Health recommendations, an integrated multidisciplinary team operates that includes an orthopedist, a vascular specialist, a doctor and a nurse experienced in wound care, a podiatrist (or podologist) and a certified cast technician, in order to provide the patient with comprehensive care and prevent complications.

Not every person with diabetes needs ongoing treatment by a podiatrist, but every person with diabetes must make sure to monitor and protect their feet. According to Ministry of Health guidelines, every diabetic patient is required to undergo a foot screening at least once a year (an examination usually performed by nurses in the health fund clinics). The frequency of follow-up is determined according to the individual level of risk: patients without damage to nerve sensation and without impaired blood flow need only an annual examination, while high-risk patients – for example, those who have had an ulcer in the past or have undergone an amputation – require close monitoring every one to three months.

This is where the podiatrist comes into the picture. In people with diabetes, seemingly everyday problems can quickly become complicated, so professional and routine removal of calluses and hard skin, safe trimming of thickened nails and treatment of ingrown toenails or fungal infections are essential procedures that prevent the development of sores and ulcers.

If the ingrown toenail keeps coming back, a podiatrist can solve the problem with a short, targeted treatment. First, they numb the toe with an injection at the base of the toe. Then they remove only the narrow strip at the side of the nail, the part that grows into the skin. Finally, they apply a special substance to the nail root on that side that burns the root, so that the problematic part won't grow back. The rest of the nail stays in place and continues to grow as usual, so the difference is usually barely visible. The treatment is done in the clinic, does not require hospitalization, and is usually completed in less than an hour.

And what about pain? During the treatment itself you shouldn't feel pain, because the toe is numb. After a few hours, when the anesthesia wears off, you may feel pain or discomfort. So it's a good idea to plan to rest for the rest of the day, come with open or wide shoes, and arrange for someone to drive you home. Healing takes some time, and during it you will need to change dressings. The podiatrist will explain exactly how to do this and will continue to follow you until the toe has healed.