Podiatry

Podiatry is a healthcare field that encompasses the protection of foot health, the evaluation of foot and nail problems, and preventive care practices aimed at these problems. The feet, which carry the entire weight of the body, play an important role in maintaining walking, balance, and mobility. Skin and nail problems, gait abnormalities, and pressure-related problems in the feet can negatively affect comfort in daily life. Our Podiatry unit provides services aimed at protecting foot health, detecting existing problems early, and reducing the risk of complications through appropriate care practices.

Medical Foot and Nail Care

Medical foot care encompasses professional practices aimed at protecting foot and nail health. Thickened nails, nail deformities, hardened skin, and pressure points are evaluated, and appropriate care methods are determined. Procedures are performed in accordance with hygiene and sterilization rules. Regular foot care is particularly important for the early detection of problems in individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, circulatory disorders, or sensory loss.

Corn and Callus Care

Corns and calluses mostly form as a result of skin thickening caused by repeated pressure and friction. Ill-fitting shoes, foot deformities, and gait abnormalities can promote their development. In the Podiatry unit, affected areas are evaluated, and the thickened skin is reduced using appropriate and controlled methods. To reduce the risk of recurrence, pressure points, footwear choice, and, when necessary, the use of supportive insoles are also addressed.

Cracked Heel and Dry Skin Care

Dryness, skin thickening, and cracks on the soles of the feet, especially on the heels, can cause pain and reduced walking comfort. In the podiatric evaluation, the skin’s moisture level, the degree of thickening, and the characteristics of the cracks are examined. Information is provided on appropriate care methods and moisturizing products. In cases of deep cracks, open wounds, or suspected infection, referral to the relevant physician is provided for the necessary medical evaluation.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can lead to loss of sensation in the feet, wound formation, and an increased risk of infection due to nerve damage and circulatory disorders. In the Podiatry unit, the feet of individuals with diabetes are evaluated for skin integrity, callus formation, nail problems, and pressure points. In addition to preventive care practices, personalized information is provided on daily foot checks, appropriate footwear choice, and foot hygiene. When a wound or infection is suspected in a diabetic foot, physician evaluation takes priority; the care and treatment of open wounds are carried out in coordination with the appropriate healthcare team.

Ingrown Toenail Care

An ingrown toenail may develop when the edge of the nail presses on or grows into the surrounding skin. Symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling may be seen, particularly in the big toe. In the Podiatry unit, the condition of the nail and surrounding tissues is evaluated, and appropriate non-surgical care methods may be applied. Information is provided on cutting nails correctly and choosing shoes that do not constrict the foot. In cases of advanced inflammation, infection, or conditions requiring surgical intervention, referral to the relevant physician is provided.

Thickened and Deformed Nail Care

Thickening, changes in shape, and discoloration of the nails may be associated with repeated trauma, pressure, or certain nail diseases. These changes can make wearing shoes difficult and cause discomfort. As part of podiatric care, the nails are evaluated and, where appropriate, thickened nails are reduced and cared for in a controlled manner. In cases of suspected disease, such as fungal infection, referral to the relevant physician is made for diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluation for Athlete’s Foot and Nail Infections

Itching, scaling, and redness of the feet, as well as changes in the color or structure of the nails, may be associated with various problems, including fungal infections. In the Podiatry unit, changes in the skin and nails are observed, and information is provided on appropriate care and hygiene. When infection is suspected, physician evaluation is important for a definitive diagnosis and the necessary treatment. Preventive habits such as keeping the feet clean and dry and choosing appropriate socks and shoes are also part of the care process.

Foot Analysis and Gait Abnormalities

Flat feet, high arches, and differences in the way the foot strikes the ground can affect how body weight is distributed across the sole of the foot. This may contribute to increased pressure in certain areas, callus formation, pain, and reduced walking comfort. In the podiatric evaluation, foot structure, pressure points, and gait-related problems are addressed, and appropriate care and referral are planned. When necessary, the use of custom orthopedic insoles or supportive materials may be considered following evaluation by the relevant specialist.

Custom Orthopedic Insoles and Support Applications

Supportive insoles suited to the foot structure and gait characteristics can help distribute load more evenly across the sole of the foot and reduce pressure in specific areas. Choosing the right insole is particularly important in cases of recurrent callus formation, foot deformities, and gait abnormalities. The need for insoles is evaluated according to the person’s foot structure and current complaints; when necessary, collaboration with the relevant specialist is provided.

Foot Health in Athletes

Repeated loading, friction, and trauma during sports can lead to problems such as calluses, blisters, nail deformities, and ingrown toenails. Podiatric care provides support for protecting athletes’ foot and nail health, detecting existing problems early, and reducing the risk of recurrence. Choosing footwear appropriate to the activity, foot hygiene, and the evaluation of pressure points are important in maintaining foot health and ease of movement.

Preventive Foot Health and Patient Education

An important part of podiatry is identifying risks before foot problems develop and establishing proper care habits. Regularly checking the feet, keeping them clean and dry, cutting nails correctly, and wearing shoes that fit the foot are the core elements of this approach. Individuals with diabetes or circulatory and sensory problems in particular are advised to report any wounds, color changes, swelling, or signs of infection in their feet to healthcare professionals without delay.

Our Podiatry unit provides services aimed at protecting foot and nail health, evaluating existing problems, and determining appropriate personalized preventive care approaches. Regular follow-up and proper care habits for foot health contribute to maintaining comfort in daily life and preventing potential complications.