A podiatrist or a chiropodist — the two terms can be used interchangeably — works with patients' feet. This is something that most people are aware of. However, the extent of podiatry is not well understood by the general public, who often think that it is much less extensive than it is. You may be surprised to learn just how many foot-related ailments podiatry can help to resolve. Read on to discover the typical foot problems that a professional podiatrist will see during the course of an average working week.

• Toenail Problems

One of the most common issues people turn to podiatry for relates to their toenails. In some cases, toenails become very difficult to manage on your own when the nail thickens. This means you need an expert to help file it down and make it more comfortable, especially when wearing footwear. In some cases, ingrown toenails can cause considerable pain, something that is, again, addressed by podiatry. Fungal nail infections are another type of ailment that tends to be sorted out by a chiropodist, especially when they cause toenails to become excessively brittle.

• Corns and Other Calluses

Corns can occur on hands as well as feet, but they are most often seen on the knuckles of your toes or on the ball of the foot. When a hardened area of foot skin gets out of control, it can cause severe levels of pain, particularly when you are standing, walking or running. In such cases, podiatry can help to relieve the symptoms of corns and calluses, offering a high degree of pain relief.

• Verrucas

Notoriously difficult to sort out on your own, verrucas are a type of wart that appears on feet. These warts are painful and unsightly so you will often need a professional healthcare provider to help get rid of them. It is important not to share towels and socks with other family members whilst undergoing treatment for a verruca.

• Bunions

When the bony material behind a big toe builds up, it can cause discomfort. In some cases, a bunion can continue to develop right through adulthood until surgery is required. That said, a qualified podiatrist can help to alleviate the symptoms of bunions and offer lifestyle advice that will arrest their future development.

• Heel Problems

The heel of the foot takes a great deal of impact when you walk and run. This is an area of much work in podiatry. As well as dealing with sports injuries, chiropodists also see patients with cracked heels where the skin has painfully come apart, helping it to recover more rapidly than it otherwise might.

Contact a podiatrist or chiropodist near you in order to learn more about what services they can offer.