If your feet keep hurting, a foot doctor can take you from debilitating pain to relief. Foot doctors, or podiatrists, are highly trained medical professionals who focus on treating foot and ankle issues.
Here, we will explore the role of foot doctors, the conditions they treat, and the 5 benefits of seeking their professional care over attempting to treat your foot problem at home.
Who Are Foot Doctors?
Foot doctors are called podiatrists or foot and ankle surgeons. They are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting foot, ankle, and heel problems.
To become a highly qualified foot doctor, one must undergo extensive education and training. They go to podiatry school and complete a residency, and if they choose to, can get advanced certification in foot and ankle surgery.
What Can Foot Doctors Treat?
Here are some of the most common foot conditions podiatrists treat:
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal infections
- Corns and calluses
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel pain
- Bunions
- Diabetic foot conditions
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Arthritis
- Flat feet and arch problems
5 Benefits of Seeing a Foot Doctor Instead of Self-Treatment
The level of education and training a podiatrist completes before becoming qualified to treat patients means you are dealing with a professional. Some of the benefits include:
#1 Accurate Diagnosis
Foot doctors possess specialized knowledge and experience in diagnosing foot conditions. By seeking their expertise, you can receive an accurate diagnosis, ensuring that the underlying cause of your foot problem is correctly identified. No time is wasted and the risk of developing complications is reduced through an early diagnosis.
#2 Tailored Treatment Plans
Podiatrists create personalized treatment plans for their patients. They factor in your condition, medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences before making recommendations. This tailored approach maximizes the likelihood of successful outcomes.
#3 Access to Advanced Treatment Options
One major advantage of seeing a podiatrist is their access to a wide range of treatment options beyond what is available for self-treatment. They can provide advanced therapies, such as prescription medications, orthotic devices, physical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures, all of which are unavailable to the patient without a doctor’s intervention.
#4 A Focus on Preventive Care and Patient Education
Foot and ankle surgeons focus not only on treating existing foot problems but also on preventive care. They educate patients on proper foot care, proper footwear choices, injury prevention, and strategies for managing chronic conditions like diabetes. By emphasizing prevention, foot doctors help individuals maintain optimal foot health and minimize problems in the future.
#5 Better Long-Term Foot Health
Seeing a foot doctor ensures comprehensive and ongoing foot care. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist allow for continuous monitoring of foot health, early detection of potential issues, and timely intervention. By establishing a long-term relationship with a foot doctor, you can proactively manage your foot health.
Seeking the expertise of a foot doctor ensures you receive the best possible podiatry treatment.
Top Foot Doctor in Naples, FL
It’s about time you see a podiatrist for professional treatment. Dr. Cody Togher is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida.He was fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery and takes a compassionate approach to create personalized treatment plans to maximize patient outcomes.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Togher, call our office today at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient online request form.
