Are podiatrists doctors?
A podiatrist Marietta GA is a doctor who specializes in podiatric medicine. They are not similar to physicians even though they undergo training and education similar to that of medical doctors. Their main focus is on the treatment of problems affecting the foot, ankle and the lower limb.
Is There a Difference Between Podiatrists and Orthopedists?
Although podiatrists and orthopedists can both manage similar medical problems affecting the feet, they have certain inherent differences. A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating the disorders affecting the foot and the ankle while an orthopedist is a surgeon whose specialization is deals with treatment and surgery of the musculoskeletal disorders that affect the body. In addition, orthopedists treat chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions that affect the body. These conditions include arthritis, fractures, bursitis, neck and back pain, ligament and tendon injuries, sports related injuries and chronic muscle pain.
A majority of orthopedic surgeons tend to specialize in treatment of particular areas or parts of the body such as the hand, spine, or hip. Others may be interested in total joint reconstruction, sports injuries or orthopedic trauma surgery. Before seeking the help of an orthopedic doctor, you might first see a podiatrist to diagnose your problem before treating or referring you to an orthopedic surgeon.
A podiatrist is trained in diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of disorders of the foot, including fractured bones and chronic complications such as arthritis and diabetes. Who should see a podiatrist? Well, if you have any of the following conditions, you are certainly a candidate to see a podiatrist:
• If you recently suffered a foot injury
• If you have a swelling of the foot
• If you have a discoloration of the skin around the foot
• If you have an open wound that seems not be healing
• A loss of sensation or numbness in the foot
Generally speaking, if you happen to experience any pain in the foot, it is advisable to see a podiatrist for examination and subsequent treatment.
What Educational and Professional Qualifications Must one get?
To become a podiatrist, one must complete a 4-year course leading to a bachelor’s degree, four years of post-doctoral studies in podiatric medicine and a 3-year residency training. In addition, one must seat a national board certification examination before obtaining a state license to practice as a podiatrist. If you are a podiatrist Marietta GA who intents to specialize in a particular sub-field, you will need to complete a fellowship program upon completion of the residency training. It is during the fellowship program that a podiatrist gets hands-on experience. You will also be required to sit and pass a certification examination in your respective subspecialty.