So why would you want to go to a podiatrist? Well, there are many reasons why seeing a podiatrist may benefit you. One of those reasons is that foot pain is one of the most common complaints made to a podiatrist. Foot pain can be caused by a variety of conditions including arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, corns and calluses, hammer toe, or just weak arch support. It can be debilitating and can cause you to avoid any activity that requires the use of your feet.
When seeing a podiatrist, the first thing that they will do is assess the severity of your pain. They may order X-rays to see where the pain is, or ask you to do a number of physical assessments. Once they have determined the severity, they will discuss what the best course of action would be for your particular case. If they decide that surgery is necessary, then you will be given the information about where the surgery will take place, how long it will take, and the cost of the surgery. If they determine that the pain is not severe, and simply a micro-organisms or a growth on the affected area, then they may prescribe a topical pain reliever. If the pain is more severe, they may recommend an alternative method of treatment.
After the initial visit, you will usually be sent home with some type of instructions for following the care plan. Many times, the podiatrist will suggest that you purchase an orthotic, such as a custom foot splint, as a part of the care plan. Many times, these devices are sold at a local medical supply store, but they can also be purchased directly from a podiatrist’s office.
One of the most important questions a podiatrist can answer is why you have foot pain in the first place. This question will allow them to prevent problems down the road. If you have joint pain, then chances are you will need arthroscopic surgery. However, if you have only recently developed foot pain, then you most likely have plantar fasciitis, which requires only stretching and massage treatments. A good podiatrist will be able to narrow down the possible causes, and will be able to treat them accordingly.
Another important question to ask a podiatrist is how long it will take for their treatment to be effective. Often times, the most common treatment for plantar fasciitis takes six weeks, while other injuries may take as long as twelve weeks to heal. If you feel pain after just a few days, then this is considered good progress. If, however, there is pain for longer periods of time, then this may indicate other issues, so it is best to seek medical attention right away.
The third and final question you should ask your potential podiatrist is where they went to school. After all, this is where they received their formal education, so you should feel confident that they are qualified to do the job. Did they go to a podiatry school or do you think they received a bachelor’s degree? There are many well-known colleges that offer podiatry schooling, including the American Podiatric Medical Association, or AJPMA. Also, the American Podiatric Medical College offers an online program that can be completed in just a few months. You should look for a school that can provide you with both of these options, as they will provide you with the best care and education possible.
Finally, when looking at podiatry schools, you should make sure that they offer certifications. This will ensure that the school is recognized around the world, and that the podiatrist you see is certified by his or her specialty. Most of the time, certification can also be acquired by attending an approved college that offers it, which might be even more important depending on where you live. Many people don’t know this, but there are some states that require podiatrists to be certified before they can take the licensing exam to become a licensed podiatrist.
If you have been asking yourself, “Why would you want to see a podiatrist?” then you should know that they are qualified, caring doctors who can help you with a variety of foot and ankle conditions. They are able to fix fractures, orthopedic issues, and they can provide diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as arthritis. It may take a little bit of time and effort, but you will be glad that you called a podiatrist when you started to feel discomfort in your foot.
