If you ask most people, they will tell you that they think of podiatrists as foot doctors. In reality, podiatrists are professional doctors who are specialists in the study, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a whole range of ailments that can affect the feet, the ankles and also the lower parts of the legs. Podiatrists are doctors in the real sense and a lot of them are qualified in primary medicine. Even though they happen to be specialists in one particular medical discipline, podiatrists could also conceivably practice in many other disciplines as well, based on their education and their level of expertise.
Podiatrists must study more than the feet when entering the field of Podiatric medicine. While they have to obtain a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) degree, they also receive comprehensive training in other areas such as radiology, anaesthesiology, emergency care and distinct kinds of surgeries including orthopaedics. Anyone who sees a foot specialist in Perth will know that they are in the hands of a professional with vast knowledge in that area.
Being a Specialist in a Very Special Field
All people who choose to be a podiatrist, will have to undergo professional training to obtain a license to practice. Some of the kinds of issues that podiatrists will have to deal with are ailments such as painful irritations of the feet, which can include corns, bunions, warts, ingrown toenails and toenail fungus.
Nearly every one of these conditions are easily treatable, while some others require more time and care. Podiatrists can also treat foot and lower limb problems such as plantar fasciitis, “hammertoes,” arch problems and circulation difficulties in the lower extremities quite often caused by diabetes. Podiatrists can also go on to prescribe orthotics when it is deemed necessary.
Everybody Needs Their Feet in Good Working Order!
If you happen to suffer from any kind of these above conditions or experience any pain, numbness, or cramping, it is perhaps more than a good idea to take the time to visit a podiatrist for an examination. Tell the doctor as much detail as possible about any malady such as diabetes, and let him or her know if you are a smoker or take any type of medication. A podiatrist will then go on to thoroughly examine the overall structure of your ankles and feet and look for any type of irregularities that could lead to discomfort, infection or deterioration. He or she will advise you on treatment options which will help make your feet, ankles and legs healthier again.
Making a Visit
You can visit a podiatrist in clinics and hospital settings, and there are some who have their very own private practice. The cost of visiting a podiatrist will vary, so make sure you are aware of the fees, and indeed, do some research on the Internet and check out what his or her track record is like and experience.
With your feet in the right hands, you’ll soon be well on your way to having them healthy again.