Find the best podiatrists in Woodville by comparing ratings and reviews. Then, book an appointment online with a podiatrist who is right for you. They can also perform surgical procedures on the foot and ankle. They often work with a pedorthist, who makes orthotics for shoes or modifies footwear and has additional training in this area.
What is a Podiatrist?
After graduating from podiatry school, podiatrists complete a 3-year residency at a hospital to learn and work with doctors in other fields, such as anesthesiologists and surgeons. They also get advanced training in foot and ankle surgeries.
They are experts in diagnosing several issues, including bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, heel pain, sports injuries, and circulation problems in diabetic feet. They can treat these conditions with splints, orthotics, medicines, and physical therapy.
They can also help you maintain healthy feet by recommending a nutritious diet, proper footwear and exercises that promote good posture. They can help you decide if you need foot or ankle surgery and help you with recovery after surgery, too. You can also ask them for advice about selecting the correct shoe size, getting footwear inserts and determining whether you have a nerve condition such as neuroma (a painful burning and tingling sensation in your feet). The title Doctor of Podiatric Medicine or DPM knows podiatrists.
Podiatrists and Orthopedists
Podiatrists can help patients with various conditions, including bunions, hammertoes, calluses, and ingrown toenails. They can also advise patients on taking care of their feet and ankles to prevent injuries in the future.
Although podiatrists and orthopedists are qualified health practitioners, finding the right one for your needs is essential. Orthopedists have extensive training and experience in treating bones, muscles, and ligaments all over the body. This makes them well-suited to issues like fractures and sprains. However, they may be unfamiliar with foot and ankle problems such as heel pain or plantar fasciitis. It’s best to see a podiatrist for these issues, as they are more focused on the feet and ankles and have more education and training in these areas. They are also more likely to be able to treat these issues immediately, as they have the most up-to-date treatment methods and technology.
Podiatrists vs. Orthopedists
When people experience problems with their feet or ankles, they often seek help from medical specialists. Whether they should see a podiatrists in Woodville or an orthopedist is a question that comes up quite frequently. Both can diagnose problems and provide treatment for the musculoskeletal system of the body, but podiatrists are specifically trained in the feet and ankles.
Podiatrists can prescribe medications, order X-rays and lab tests, reset fractured bones, and perform surgical treatments such as removing hammertoes, correcting bunions, and resolving other deformities of the feet and ankles. They can also address underlying health issues such as diabetes that can cause foot and ankle complications.
The feet and ankles are complex parts of the human body subjected to heavy usage. They can develop a variety of injuries as a result. The problem is that it can be difficult to distinguish between different healthcare specialists based on their qualifications and the area of expertise they focus on.
Podiatrists vs. Physical Therapists
While podiatrists and physical therapists work to help clients with foot, ankle, and lower leg issues, they have different approaches. Physiotherapists focus more on the musculoskeletal system, while podiatrists have a deeper understanding of the specific mechanics of the feet and ankles.
For example, a podiatrist might diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma, a nerve problem between the third and fourth toe bones that causes pain, burning, and the feeling that something is in your shoe. Then, depending on the severity, they may prescribe medications, insoles, or surgery.
A podiatrist might also diagnose hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, calluses, splints, foot odour and symptoms related to diabetes and other health conditions. They can also perform surgical procedures on the foot and ankle. They often work with a pedorthist, who makes orthotics for shoes or modifies footwear and has additional training in this area.
Podiatrists in Woodville
Podiatrists in Woodville can be found nationwide, and choosing one who can help you with your foot problems is essential. Inquire about how long they have been in the business and their experience.