You may be familiar with the term “podologist”. A podiatrist is another name for a “podologist”. There are many names for doctors who specialize in foot care; however, people are unaware that specialists can provide excellent foot care.
This article will give detailed information on who Podologists and Podiatrists, their functions and many more.
Who is a podologist?
A podologist can be described as a doctor who has studied foot anatomy, disease of the lower limbs and skin conditions that affect the feet.
Although podologists might have advanced knowledge in these areas, they are not qualified to perform surgery on feet.
A podologist can provide insight because they understand diseases that affect the feet and limbs, but they are not licensed to treat them.
What training does a podologist get?
To become a podologist, first, you need to get a bachelor’s degree. Next, you will need to apply to an accredited podiatric college. After four years of graduate school, you will be awarded a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree.
Podologist or Podiatrist
Who is a podiatrist?
A podiatrist can also be called a “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine”. A podiatrist is a specialist in treating disorders of the foot or ankle. They must have the following formal education:
- Four years of undergraduate school.
- Four years in an accredited podiatric medical college.
- Training in foot and ankle surgery residency for three to four years.
- They also receive special training in the foot, ankle and lower leg.
They have a high level of biomechanics training and can fit custom shoes and orthotics. Throughout their entire training, podiatrists focus on medicine as it pertains to the feet.
At the same time, their entire surgical residency is spent on the foot and ankle and they often work with multiple orthopaedic and podiatric surgeons.
Podiatrists can be healthcare professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat foot and lower limb problems. They can also correct and prevent deformities, keep people active and mobile, treat pain, and treat infections. They can also treat;
- Problems with toes
- Corns and calluses
- Verrucas
- Athlete’s foot
- Smelly feet
- Dry and cracked heels
- Flat feet
- Bunions
- Heel pain
- Ageing feet
- Blisters
- Gout
- Sports injuries
Diagnosis from a Podiatrist:
A podiatrist can diagnose and treat many foot conditions and prescribe medication. They can also design rehabilitation for a wide range of foot conditions plans because of their advanced training.
Sometimes, podiatrists try to treat conditions conservatively but if other approaches have failed, they may recommend surgery. However, some podiatrists are not qualified to perform surgery because of license.
Before they can be licensed, all podiatrists must pass the state board exams.
Podologist or Podiatrist
What Training Do Podiatrists Get?
Four years of undergraduate school are required for a podiatrist, followed by four years of hospital-based residency. To practice medicine, podiatrists must be licensed by the state.
What can a podiatrist do to help you?
A podiatrist can help if you experience pain in your feet, thicker or discoloured toenails, skin cracks, scaling or peeling on the soles of your feet.
Podiatrists can provide orthotics (custom-made insoles, padding, and arch supports that relieve arch or heel pain).
An orthotic is a shoe insert that adjusts your foot and relieves pressure on vulnerable areas. You might want to consider a single session for podiatry, even if your feet look good. You may also want to remove any hard skin from your feet or trim your toenails to enjoy orthotic.
A podiatrist can help with more complicated foot problems by preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries from exercise and sports.
What happens during the consultation?
The podiatrist will conduct a complete medical history and basic tests such as blood circulation and sensation in the feet. They might also be interested in how you walk and move your lower legs joints.
The doctor will discuss your concerns with the patient and then provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. The doctor can also treat minor problems right away, including the removal of calluses and hard skin which takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Could a podiatrist visit my house?
It may be possible for a podiatrist or physiotherapist to visit your home if your foot problems make it difficult to walk. If you require a home visit, tell your doctor. They should be able to find a podiatrist or chiropodist who is suitable.
Private podiatrists are available to visit you at home, regardless of your situation.
How do I ensure that a podiatrist qualifies?
Anyone claiming to be a podiatrist should register with the Health and Care Professions Council. To check if your podiatrist has been registered, visit the HCPC website or however, check to see if they are a member of any of these organizations:
- British Chiropody and Podiatry Association
- The College of Podiatry
- The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
How much does private podiatry cost?
Private fees may vary depending on your location and the experience of the podiatrist. To verify their pricing, call a few podiatry clinics in your area.
Podologist or Podiatrist
How easy is it to get into podiatry school?
Because of the lower average GPA requirements and no MCAT, Podiatry schools are easier to get into than M.D. or D.O schools. Admission is still competitive, however, the fourth year sees students take part in the podiatric residency match.
Does a podiatrist have an M.D?
Although podiatrists are doctors, they do not attend traditional medical school; they are members of their professional associations and schools. Instead of the name M.D, they have D.P.M. (Doctor of podiatric medication) after their names.
Is there a high demand for podiatrists?
The number of Podiatrists working in their primary profession has stayed relatively constant over the last five years, rising from 4,600 in 2014 to 4,600 in 2019. Industries: The majority of Podiatrists work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industries.
Podologist or Podiatrist
Conclusion:
A podiatrist has more years of training that is devoted to feet. However, there are some limitations to what a podiatrist can do. Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails, calluses, fractured heels, fallen arches, heel spurs, and other ailments caused by abuse, injury or neglect. If the problem is related to the foot or ankle, they may use surgical techniques.
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