Podiatry is known as a branch of medical science that deals with foot and ankle disorders. This medical approach includes the treatment of minor ailments, such as ingrown toenails along with major ailments that may lead one to surgery.
A podiatrist is a medical professional having expertise in treating foot and ankle related issues. Podiatrists are trained doctors who have extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology. They are able to treat only the issues that pertain to the lower leg including foot and ankles.
Every podiatrist needs a government authorised license. This license prevents them from providing any type of unrelated heal care except podiatry treatments.
Podiatry is just like any other branch of medical science. It needs the disciples to undergo a graduate degree named Bachelor of Podiatry followed by a post-graduate education including Graduate Diploma, Master and Ph.D. level courses. A podiatrist should have knowledge of diabetes care, sports medicine, and podiatry surgery.
Podiatrists are doctors, not physicians. Though they are trained in anatomy and physiology, their specialisation is to treat foot-related problems. They are not allowed to pursue a residency in other fields of medicine.
Depending on the type of residency training, the podiatrists will perform a variety of treatments in general podiatry and surgical treatments on the foot and ankle. This wide variety of treatment ranges from non-invasive shoe inserts and orthotics to ingrown toenails treatments, preventive diabetic foot care, and surgical procedures.
Like other fields, this particular field also provides the disciples with multiples options for specialisation. For instance, one may specialise in care that is provided in the office setting. Some disciples may specialise in the non-invasive treatment of foot pain such as the custom orthotics creation and braces. Other disciples may gain specialisation in diabetic foot care.
The difference between podiatrists and physicians seem subtle to most people. Physicians are surgeons while podiatrists perform surgery sometimes and this is always orthopedic surgery. Whenever you need someone to perform treatment for your foot, you should look for an individual having the best training and experience in the very treatment that you need.
This individual may be a podiatrist or a physician. No matter what training he/she has received, you should ensure that he/she is the best person for providing the podiatry treatments you need.
Moreover, the person having expertise in the treatment you need should be performing it on a regular basis. If you think that the initials behind the names of the podiatrists are enough to ensure their efficiency, then you are nurturing misconceptions so far. Never be confident about the doctor without doing your research.
Finding the right doctor is not about solving the mystery over podiatrist vs. physicians and more about finding a doctor who is adept with the procedure that you need. While choosing health care services or professionals, you need to be cautious. Remember the wrong step by your health care provider may lead you to danger. Therefore, educate yourself about the procedure your body needs before going to a doctor.
The Author is an efficient podiatrist working with one of the trusted podiatry clinics in Sydney. He has expertise in podiatry treatments. Apart from podiatry practice, he shares his experiences and knowledge regarding general podiatry in his blogs.