[ Ссылка ]

Physical therapists and podiatrists are two groups of providers that render treatment to patients with foot and ankle injuries or problems.

Physical therapists evaluate quality of function and movement and utilize methods of strengthening and balance to restore function.

A podiatric physician evaluates the structure and function of all systems of the foot and ankle, orders x-rays and MRIs, and may treat with extracorporeal shockwave therapy, medicine and surgery.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy works to repair damaged tendons and ligaments in acute or chronic injuries.

Physical therapists often promote early activity.
In the case of injury or surgery, there is a time for immobilization, and early strengthening and balance exercises may be damaging.

It is advisable to seek the opinion of a podiatrist to make sure that one is ready for strengthening and activity.

Podiatrists correct for many structural problems with biomechanical devices such as custom molded functional orthotics.

Physical therapists rely on training the foot to move a certain way.

Like eyeglasses 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.

It may take years of physical therapy to come close to the correction a custom orthotic can give.

It is advisable to seek the opinion of a podiatrist to determine if biomechanical correction is indicated.

свернуть