If you have foot or ankle pain, the first person you may think of consulting is your primary care physician. While that is a good starting point, a foot doctor is a better medical professional to visit.
Also known as a podiatrist, a foot doctor can diagnose and treat issues of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. So, why exactly should you visit a foot doctor over a primary care physician? Here are four benefits of doing so:
1. It Is Their Area Of Expertise
One of the key benefits of having a foot doctor check your feet is their specialized training.A foot doctor completes four years of podiatry school and obtains a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. Afterward, they undergo one to three years of a residency program to gain surgical and medical experience in their field.
A primary care physician or an orthopedist may be able to diagnose some problems in the foot. However, many medical conditions and injuries require the expertise, skill, and technological access that a podiatrist has. They are the best experts when it comes tothe diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems.
2. They Can Accurately Diagnose Foot Problems
A podiatrist’s training and experience focus on injuries and conditions that affect the lower extremities. Combined with imaging tests, like X-rays and MRIs, and physical examinations, they can determine the problem with ease.
While general practitioners can also do this to a certain extent, a podiatrist can do it more accurately for a much wider range of conditions and injuries. When it comes to foot problems, a doctor specializing in this branch of medicine is a better option.
3. They Can Recommend The Best Treatment For Each Patient
The third benefit to getting your feet checked by a foot doctor is receiving the best care. Podiatrists are experts in many treatments, ranging from conservative techniques to surgical procedures.
With their intricate knowledge of foot diseases and injuries, they can individualize treatments according to the patient’s needs.They are also better at administering the proper treatment than other healthcare providers due to their extensive training and knowledge on treatments specific to the lower extremity. For instance, podiatrists can create custom orthotics to help you deal with pain. These orthotics are devices you can insert into your shoes to better support your feet and relieve pain. Custom orthotics aren’t available without the prescription of a podiatrist.
Foot doctors can also specialize even further, giving them more knowledge on some foot problems and how to treat them. Some subfields of medicine they can specialize in include:
- Diabetes
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
- General or reconstructive surgery
- Sports medicine
4. Access To Preventive Foot Care
The last benefit of consulting a foot doctor is to get preventive care. Many foot conditions and injuries can be avoided if you are diligent and proactive about your foot health. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know the early signs of foot and ankle problems, which prevents them from recognizing the signs that suggest they need to see a doctor.
By regularly seeing a podiatrist, you can learn about proper foot and ankle health, which signs to look out for that suggest you should see a podiatrist, and get diagnoses and treatment for conditions and injuries as early as possible, should the need arise.
The Best Foot Doctor In Naples, FL
Your feet have the tremendous task of bearing your weight when standing or moving. This makes them vulnerable to many problems that need the help of an expert. Foot doctors offer specialized care and preventive measures for foot and ankle conditions and injuries. With the ability to accurately diagnose these issues, podiatrists can provide treatment more suited to the specific needs of patients.
The Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL, offers expert treatment for all your foot and ankle problems. Our team of orthopedists, physician assistants, therapists, and the best foot doctor in Naples, FL, is ready to provide you with top-notch care.
To learn more about our podiatry and orthopedic services, call our podiatry office in Naples, FL, at (239) 261-2663. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you soon!
