The amazing thing about medicine today is that there is a doctor who can care for every part of the body from head to toe. And for our feet, the most hardworking but often overlooked part of the body, a podiatrist is there to keep us fully functional and healthy. Due to how hard the feet works every day, it is not surprising that many people suffer foot pain, as well as other lower extremity-related problems.
Who is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a surgeon, physician, and doctor of podiatric medicine whose specialty is the treatment of the ankle, foot, and other structures that are related to the leg. They are trained like other orthopedic surgeons and physicians. They must undergo training for 4 years in a medical school of podiatry.
In addition to the 4-year training, they undergo 3 years of residency training in a hospital. Many of them go further to complete different fellowship training programs after the residency. They can also obtain certification from the state’s medical board after completing advanced training, passing rigorous tests and examinations, and achieving some clinical experience. You may want to visit this website to know what a podiatrist does.
Why Do You Need to Visit a Podiatrist?
Our feet are delicate anatomical structures. They contain fifty-two bones combined, which is a quarter of the bones in our body. Our feet simultaneously act as propulsion engines, stabilizers, and shock absorbers.
Furthermore, our ankles serve as stable and strong hinges. They allow twisting and bending in 3 directions, which could happen simultaneously. They must support one hundred and fifty percent of the body’s weight when we walk and about eight hundred percent when we run.
If you discover that you are having troubles with your ankle or feet, you need expert care from a podiatrist. They have the experience, talent, and training to resolve conditions affecting those parts of the body. Their title as DPM (Doctor of Podiatry medicine) guarantees their services.
How to Find a Podiatrist in Gold Coast
Because we know that our feet are delicate and important to our functionality, we need to find a specialist who can take care of our peculiar needs. The following are simple guidelines that you can follow to find a podiatrist in Gold Coast:
1. Ask for Recommendations
This is a good place to begin your search – going through a mental Rolodex to recollect relatives, friends, or neighbors who previously had foot problems. These problems could be bunions, hammer toe, plantar fasciitis, or ingrown toenails. It could even be that the person wanted a fitting for orthotics.
Make a list of names, and then contact them. Try to find out the nature of the treatment they got, including the quality of care the hospital rendered.
2. Check Online
It is possible that you’re the only one within your network trying to learn about podiatry in Gold Coast which will then leave you with the other option of carrying out an online search. With the way the internet has so become a part of our day to day lives, most professionals, including qualified foot physicians, have an established online presence. You can complete your search by scrutinizing the doctors’ websites.
3. Look for Certifications
You want a certified doctor to attend to your foot, hence the need to check their affiliation with reputable hospitals. You also need to check if they are certified by the medical board. There are highly rated physicians who train others when they are not treating patients. So you may want to look out for them.
4. Check their Reviews
While going through the doctors’ websites, you may want to limit yourself to those with positive reviews. You can check the testimonials of their recent patients to know what they said about the care they received.
5. Ensure They Have the Necessary Tools and Equipment
It is important to stick to doctors who are knowledgeable about advanced and updated podiatric techniques. You can also look for those who are regularly researching, innovating, and creating advanced techniques.
Professionals who have worked in the field consistently have the latest diagnostic tools and equipment for treatment. Therefore, you must ensure that the doctor you choose is practicing and not redundant. Also, ensure that they have qualified therapists.
After collecting the contact information of physicians that treat similar cases like yours, and satisfying the tips listed above, make some calls. Find out when you can make your first visit.
Your First Visit to the Podiatrist
This is just a visit, not a final decision; it is more like you’re auditioning the specialist. Discussing with a doctor does not oblige them to treat you. So do not make your final decision until you’ve determined the following:
- The doctor listens to your problem carefully and respectfully.
- They thoroughly understand the issue.
- They draw a preliminary plan for treatment to address your concerns.
- They are aware of any treatment goals you have set and want to help you achieve them.
- They have the experience, skill, and training to help you realize your goals.
If you do not trust the doctor to be your caregiver after this first visit, you can continue searching for another doctor. You may also want to check out https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/5-qualities-of-a-podiatrist to see the qualities a doctor of podiatric medicine should possess.
Questions to Ask a Podiatrist
When you find a potential foot physician, there are some important questions to ask before scheduling the first appointment.
1. Are They Currently Accepting Patients?
Established practices usually have a period when they do not take new patients. If they are full, you can ask the doctor if they can refer you to one of their colleagues.
2. Where Are They Located?
Most times, people prefer hospitals and clinics that are conveniently located close to their workplace, school, or home. Therefore, before you schedule an appointment, ensure the practice is close to your location in Gold Coast.
3. What Are the Office Hours?
It is good to know their work hours so you can plan your schedule properly. Some hospitals offer extended weekend, early, and late hours to accommodate people with busy schedules.
4. When Can You See the Physician?
Sometimes, it may take one month before you can finally see the physician. But what happens if there is an emergency? Can the practice handle such appointments? If not, you can look elsewhere.
The other questions to ask are:
- Can the facility accommodate disabled individuals?
- Do they have an on-site laboratory and x-ray center?
Conclusion
When you notice any problem with your foot or ankle, it may be time to look for a podiatric doctor. Your feet are indispensable, and you should treat them well. Rather than wait until any health condition develops, use the information in this article to get a physician who will check your feet regularly.
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