Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
Foot problems can transform into a big hassle before you can know it. You need your feet to perform almost every daily task, and something wrong with your foot can prevent you from doing all that.
In such cases, you need to seek medical attention from trusted experts of adults or children podiatry Adelaide at the earliest. But before you hop on board and book an appointment with a podiatrist, there are some things you need to know about them. Therefore, let’s check out all you need to know about podiatrists.
Table of Contents
What Does A Podiatrist Do?
Podiatrists are well-trained medical professionals equipped with the skills to treat all lower legs or feet complications. They have the training to treat different injuries or even treatment for ongoing health complications such as diabetes. Many people even refer to podiatrists as a doctor of podiatric medicine or even podiatric physicians.
Are Podiatrists Doctors?
This is one of the most prevalent questions associated with podiatry around the globe. Podiatrists are doctors, but they do not go to conventional medical schools. Instead, they have their medical schools and professional associations. You will notice that a podiatrist will have the initials DPM or doctor of podiatric medicine after their names instead of the conventional MD or medical doctors.
Furthermore, a podiatrist has the skills and knowledge to carry out complex treatments, including surgeries, prescribe drugs, fix broken bones, and even order lab tests. In most cases, you can find podiatrists working alongside other professionals to treat complications associated with your foot or lower legs. In most countries, podiatrists are licensed and regulated by the concerned authorities.
Education Of Podiatrists
College students interested in becoming a podiatrist will have to take chemistry, biology, physics, and other science subjects. This is the minimum requirement for getting into a podiatric school. This means most podiatrists will pass out of college with an undergraduate degree in biology or other similar fields of science.
After completing college, they will need to go to podiatry school for four years and study further about muscles, bones, and nerves that help one move. They will also study treating different illnesses and injuries associated with your foot or lower legs.
Once done with the podiatry school, students will need to work in a hospital for at least 3 years. This period is known as the residency period, and this is where they master the practicals associated with podiatry. During this period, podiatrists will also work with doctors and medical experts from other fields before finally getting their advanced certification.
Conclusion: When Should You Visit A Podiatrist?
There are many reasons why you might need to visit a podiatrist specializing in adults and children podiatry Adelaide. Some of these reasons include:
- Pain In Foot: A podiatrist can help you determine and understand the source of your foot pain. In addition, they will also help you diagnose the issue.
- Flat Feet: The other you might need to visit a podiatrist is flat feet, where the experts will take out the molds from your feet and provide you with a custom support shoe.
- Diabetes: Routine visits to podiatrists becomes a norm if you have diabetes. Podiatrists will treat your numbness, open wounds, and even pain in your legs.
Therefore, if you are troubled by any of these issues, book an appointment with trusted podiatrists at Foot & Sole Podiatry.
