Orthotics that are prescribed by the podiatrist and custom made for your feet, should not be confused with over the counter arch supports. The consumer should beware of individuals with no or inadequate training, who hold themselves out as experts on foot problems and orthotics. Only the podiatrist, chiropodist, or medical doctor can diagnose foot problems and offer alternative treatment plans. If complications develop, the podiatrist is there to evaluate and treat those. He or she can offer the patient alternative treatments, be they medical, orthopedic, or surgical.
Podiatrists can treat most cases of leg discomfort.
This may arise because abnormal foot motion forces the muscles of the leg to work too hard or at a mechanical disadvantage. In fact abnormal feet can case knee, hip, and back discomfort as well. Podiatric sports medicine is a growing field. Most podiatrists count many athletes and dancers amongst their patients. Some practitioners specialize in this field.