What You Need To Know When Choosing A Podiatrist
If you're having a problem with your ankle and foot, you need to find a good podiatrist. Physicians who practice podiatry are called Doctors of Podiatric Medicine or podiatrists. A podiatrist can treat a variety of issues, including injuries such as fractures, as well as corns and bunions. A podiatry practice is often solo, although the podiatrist may also be in a medical group along with several other medical providers. They often work in partnership with an orthopedic surgeon or in a specialized medical group for the treatment of a specific disease such as diabetes.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Many states limit the practice of a podiatrist to conditions of the ankle and foot only, while others also allow the podiatrist to treat the leg as well. Some podiatry practices surgical, medical, or other services. Podiatrists treat many minor foot and ankle issues including calluses, bunions, and corns.
Patients may also visit a podiatrist for advice and treatment of fungal nail infections and athlete's foot. Treatment for these conditions includes oral or topical antifungal drugs and it may take several months before the infection is entirely gone.
If you're having a problem with your ankle and foot, you need to find a good podiatrist. Physicians who practice podiatry are called Doctors of Podiatric Medicine or podiatrists. A podiatrist can treat a variety of issues, including injuries such as fractures, as well as corns and bunions. A podiatry practice is often solo, although the podiatrist may also be in a medical group along with several other medical providers. They often work in partnership with an orthopedic surgeon or in a specialized medical group for the treatment of a specific disease such as diabetes.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Many states limit the practice of a podiatrist to conditions of the ankle and foot only, while others also allow the podiatrist to treat the leg as well. Some podiatry practices surgical, medical, or other services. Podiatrists treat many minor foot and ankle issues including calluses, bunions, and corns.
Patients may also visit a podiatrist for advice and treatment of fungal nail infections and athlete's foot. Treatment for these conditions includes oral or topical antifungal drugs and it may take several months before the infection is entirely gone.
Another common reason to visit a podiatrist is for the treatment of bunions. These are bony protrusions which ocur at the base of the big toe. These may be difficult to treat and often require surgery. A bunion may cause the big toe to turn inward toward the second toe. This is called hallux valgus or hammer toe. If this condition becomes painful, a podiatrist may have to perform surgery, although other treatment can include exercises, footwear and corticosteriod injections.
Podiatrists also treat plantar fasciitis. This is the irritation and inflammation of the thick tissue surrounding the heel. This condition is often accompanied by frequent heel pain. The condition is usually treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, orhtotic shoe inserts, and sometimes surgery. The podiatrist may have to perform several tests before confirming the diagnosis and may need to try several different treatments before the patient feels relief from the pain.
Podiatrists also treat plantar fasciitis. This is the irritation and inflammation of the thick tissue surrounding the heel. This condition is often accompanied by frequent heel pain. The condition is usually treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, orhtotic shoe inserts, and sometimes surgery. The podiatrist may have to perform several tests before confirming the diagnosis and may need to try several different treatments before the patient feels relief from the pain.
Other Podiatry Facts
Podiatrists must be licensed to practice in their state and usually have extensive education. They must complete a four year program at a podiatric college and then pass national and state examinations. Most podiatrists are self-employed, practicing either solo or as part of an independent medical group. They may also work in hospitals or private clinics.
There are some podiatrists who are trained to perform cryosurgery, treat plantar fasciitis, and diagnosis and treat soft tissue tumors of the foot. Podiatrists often treat individuals with diabetes who are suffering from foot conditions related to their illness. This includes diagnosis and treatment for diabetic neuropathy.
Choosing A Podiatrist
If you or a family member believe you may benefit from a visit to a podiatrist, there are several places to look to find a good one. Begin with your primary care physician who will often have a strong network of other providers and specialists and can refer you to the right podiatrist. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if anyone you know has been treated by a podiatrist. Your state board of podiatry may also have a directory of state-licensed podiatrists to which you can refer.
When you are considering a podiatrist, you should call their office and ask about hours and location. Also ask if there are extended hours and how long it normally takes to get an appointment. Also ask if they have x-ray and lab services on site or if you will need to go elsewhere. Also ask what hospitals that podiatrist is associated with.
Podiatrists specialize in treating the ankle and foot. They treat a variety of conditions and often refer with your primary care provider to develop and treatment plan.
Podiatrists must be licensed to practice in their state and usually have extensive education. They must complete a four year program at a podiatric college and then pass national and state examinations. Most podiatrists are self-employed, practicing either solo or as part of an independent medical group. They may also work in hospitals or private clinics.
There are some podiatrists who are trained to perform cryosurgery, treat plantar fasciitis, and diagnosis and treat soft tissue tumors of the foot. Podiatrists often treat individuals with diabetes who are suffering from foot conditions related to their illness. This includes diagnosis and treatment for diabetic neuropathy.
Choosing A Podiatrist
If you or a family member believe you may benefit from a visit to a podiatrist, there are several places to look to find a good one. Begin with your primary care physician who will often have a strong network of other providers and specialists and can refer you to the right podiatrist. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if anyone you know has been treated by a podiatrist. Your state board of podiatry may also have a directory of state-licensed podiatrists to which you can refer.
When you are considering a podiatrist, you should call their office and ask about hours and location. Also ask if there are extended hours and how long it normally takes to get an appointment. Also ask if they have x-ray and lab services on site or if you will need to go elsewhere. Also ask what hospitals that podiatrist is associated with.
Podiatrists specialize in treating the ankle and foot. They treat a variety of conditions and often refer with your primary care provider to develop and treatment plan.