Podiatrist duties revolve around delivering preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the feet and lower legs. They are often based in hospitals or GP surgeries, collaborating with other healthcare professionals including nurses and physiotherapists.
People who are suitable for this profession tend to enjoy researching and analyzing information, and they like working with people.
Diagnosis
Feet do a lot of work — they’re shock absorbers, propulsion engines and stabilizers. They also withstand a lot of stress, so it’s important to see a Podiatrist Santo Domingo for any problems you may be having.
To diagnose your condition, the podiatrist will take X-rays and perform lab tests on your feet or lower legs to look for any issues with bones, joints, muscles and ligaments. He or she can then recommend a treatment plan that might include surgery, prescription drugs, padding or inserts (orthopedics).
A podiatrist is a real doctor with years of training in foot and ankle care. The letters “DPM” after his or her name indicate that he or she went to a podiatric medical school and completed hospital residency training. You can trust your podiatrist to help you maintain proper foot health, treat injuries or problems and educate you on how to prevent future issues. He or she can also help you manage chronic conditions such as diabetes by educating you on foot care.
Treatment
Podiatrists treat problems that affect the bones, joints, skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons and circulation of the foot, ankle and lower leg. They diagnose and treat injuries caused by accidents or conditions that occur due to chronic health issues like diabetes.
They set broken bones, perform surgery and prescribe drugs, lab tests or x-rays for diagnosis purposes. They also consult with patients and other physicians on the prevention of foot diseases or ailments.
Podiatrists work independently and use their own skills to diagnose and treat disorders affecting the feet, ankles and lower legs. They often design orthotics for patients to help them with their balance and gait. They can also help improve patients’ quality of life by treating issues that cause pain, numbness or swelling in the feet and ankles. They may also help reduce the risk of complications from other health issues that can affect the feet and legs, such as diabetes. They are able to do this because they have extensive medical training, including four years of education at an accredited podiatric medical college and three or more years of hospital residency.
Consultation
Podiatrists, also known as Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, have a thorough understanding of the lower extremity and how it impacts the rest of the body. They can conduct x-rays and lab tests, perform surgeries, prescribe medications and orthotic devices, and more.
If you’re dealing with a problem that affects your feet, ankles or lower legs, you may be referred to a podiatrist by your primary physician. Podiatrists will look at your medical history and symptoms, then perform a physical exam of the affected area.
Arthritis, which causes pain in 33 joints in the foot and ankle, is a common condition a podiatrist can treat with a combination of medicines, physical therapy, shoes or inserts, or surgery. They can also help with growing pains in children, including flat feet and toes that point inward or don’t line up correctly. If your issue involves multiple large joints, you’ll probably need to see an orthopedic surgeon. They have four years of training in a podiatric medical school and hospital-based residency, making them the most qualified to care for your foot and ankle problems.
Education
A podiatrist, or doctor of podiatric medicine, treats ailments affecting the feet and lower legs. They diagnose illnesses, set fractures and provide surgery. They also treat ongoing conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and they work with primary care physicians as part of a treatment team.
The educational path of a podiatrist begins with earning a bachelor’s degree and then applying to an accredited college of podiatric medicine. A four year program leads to a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. The first two years focus on classroom instruction and laboratory work in basic medical sciences similar to those found at other medical schools.
Volunteer or work in a medical setting to acquire hands-on experience. Seek out shadowing opportunities with a podiatrist, and ask for letters of recommendation from physicians that know your character. Take the MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, which is required by most medical schools. Choose a major that is heavily focused in science, especially biology, chemistry and physics, to ensure you have the proper prerequisites.
