Tools Podiatrists Use

Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the medical care of the foot, ankle and lower leg. They are required to pass written and oral examinations in order to obtain their state licenses and practice podiatric medicine. These doctors have common tools of the trade that they use in their practices, including callus planes, foot orthoses, ingrown nail cutters and scalpels.

Callus Planes

• A callus plane is a small board, similar to a nail file. This is used by the podiatrist to remove corns and calluses from the feet, to ease a patient's discomfort or because the callus or corn is unsightly. Callus planes can also be used at home by patients to ease any continuing pain from corns and calluses.

Foot Orthosis

• A foot orthosis is a brace placed inside a shoe to correct functions that occur in the foot and lower bodily extremities. Accommodative foot orthoses relieve pressure on the bottom of the foot, and functional foot orthoses treat conditions like joint and arch pain.

Ingrown Nail Cutter

• An ingrown nail cutter looks similar to a pair of pliers, and is usually made from stainless steel. An ingrown toenail, or mychocryptosis occurs when your nail begins to grow into the skin. Ingrown toenails are painful and may develop infections. This cutter allows the podiatrist to remove the ingrown toenail before it breaks your skin.

Scalpel

• Podiatrists use scalpels, which are usually made of stainless steel, to conduct biopsies of moles or portions of the skin that require study. The podiatrist will cut away a portion of the mole or skin afflicted in order to examine it under a microscope. Scalpels are also used to remove skin growths of all kinds, including moles and corns.