What Is Podiatry and Who Is a Podiatrist?
Before you look for a podiatrist, you have to become familiar with a little more about podiatry. It’s a medical specialty dealing with the study, diagnosis and management of the disorders and injuries from the foot, ankle and lower leg. Doctors and practitioners who specialize in podiatry are known as podiatrists. Podiatrists cope with such issues as this problem, Achilles tendonitis, Morton’s Neuroma, flat foot, diabetes foot care, hammertoes, heel pain, plantar warts, infections, arthritis and much more.
In the USA, a podiatric physician’s training includes four years of premedical training followed by 4 years of podiatric studies at medical school. They get a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree, D.P.M.
In Canada, there are several US trained D.P.M’s too, however when looking for a podiatrist, you might actually find a chiropodist instead. The names are interchangeable in Canada. Chiropodists/Podiatrists have a 3 or 4 year program in foot care, but are not physicians and don’t do surgery or cope with strong prescription medication. Though most of them have excellent practicing the help they offer, some in the Canadian medical community resist their utilization of “Dr.” in front of their name since the nature of their training is not the same as that of actual physicians.
Where Will i Turn to Find a Podiatrist?
If you are experiencing foot pain and need to locate a podiatrist there are several places to look. To begin with, speak with your primary care physician. They might possess a podiatrist they suggest that they can refer you to. Ask family, friends or co-workers who may have seen one in the past. Browse the phone book or ask at the local hospital. The internet may also be an excellent resource to find a podiatrist. Most provinces or states have a website that outlines the podiatrists working in each city.
To locate a podiatrist in the United States:
American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) – apma.org
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) – acfas.org
To find a podiatrist in Canada, try:
Canadian Podiatric Medical Association – podiatrycanada.org
New Brunswick Podiatry Association – podiatrynb.org
Alberta Podiatry Association – albertapodiatry.com
Bc Association of Podiatrists – foothealth.ca
Ontario Podiatric Medical Association – opma.ca
Quebec – ordredespodiatres.qc.ca
When searching to find a podiatrist you may also wish to check with your insurance company. Not only should they have a list of podiatrists, but you may only be engrossed in certain podiatrists, or by people with a specific type of podiatry training.
I discovered a Podiatrist, Now What?
After your research to find a podiatrist continues to be successful and also you make an appointment, make sure you are comfortable with your podiatrist and don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding their experience or your condition. If you discover a great podiatrist, she or he will require time for you to explain your diagnosis, listen to your concerns and treat you with respect….and hopefully she or he will even alleviate your foot problem to help you continue to do what you enjoy!
Podiatrists and Foot Orthotics
Podiatrists are among the primary caregivers who offer custom foot orthotics as a treatment option. They might refer their sufferers to some pedorthist for evaluation, or assess the patient themselves and send the evaluation to a pedorthist / pedorthic lab to manufacture the foot orthotics for them.
The other option would be to find an appropriate over the counter foot orthotic for everyone their patients. This is a much less expensive option and can be just as effective as custom treatment in many cases…though there are several feet that cannot be helped with no custom product. If utilizing an over the counter device, find one that’s customized for your specific condition or area of pain.
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