Whether in Chicago or anywhere else, a podiatrist can help you with many different foot and ankle problems. Most people believe that podiatrists only deal with the feet, but they are actually doctors who specialize in diagnosis, study, prevention and treatment of many common ailments of the feet, ankles and lower legs. In essence, a podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in a specific area, just like a surgeon or eye doctor.
Education
In order to become a podiatrist, the doctor had to go to college and earn a degree. They then had to enter the field of podiatric medicine and receive their DPM degree or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Throughout their education, they will also train extensively with radiology, emergency care, anesthesiology and many surgery options, such as orthopedics. After their formal education, they complete a residency and internship to complete everything and become board certified.
Licensing
A Chicago podiatrist must be licensed to practice in their state. Each state has different rules or prerequisites that are needed to receive their license, but almost all states require the podiatrist to pass and receive their DPM and other specialized exams or evaluations. Therefore, your Chicago podiatrist will need to be board certified in the state of Illinois. Illinois state certification may be different from other states, so if your podiatrist is licensed in multiple states, this means he or she has completed all licensing requirements in each specific state.
Conditions Treated by Podiatrists
While almost any problem to do with the feet, legs and ankles are handled by podiatrists, they commonly treat painful problems of the feet including bunions, corns, toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and warts. They can also treat specific problems such as plantar fasciitis, arch problems, hammertoes and circulation difficulties.
They can prescribe almost any kind of medication and are sometimes able to perform surgical procedures on the foot or ankle area. In this case, they can prescribe local anesthetic and will also prescribe orthotics whenever required.
When to See Podiatrists
It is likely that you will need to see a podiatrist at some point in your life, so if your feet or ankles hurt, you may choose to go to a podiatrist first and skip your family doctor. However, most people go to their primary care doctor first and are then referred to a podiatrist, so this may be a better option, especially if your insurance requires referrals for specialty doctors.
Education
In order to become a podiatrist, the doctor had to go to college and earn a degree. They then had to enter the field of podiatric medicine and receive their DPM degree or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Throughout their education, they will also train extensively with radiology, emergency care, anesthesiology and many surgery options, such as orthopedics. After their formal education, they complete a residency and internship to complete everything and become board certified.
Licensing
A Chicago podiatrist must be licensed to practice in their state. Each state has different rules or prerequisites that are needed to receive their license, but almost all states require the podiatrist to pass and receive their DPM and other specialized exams or evaluations. Therefore, your Chicago podiatrist will need to be board certified in the state of Illinois. Illinois state certification may be different from other states, so if your podiatrist is licensed in multiple states, this means he or she has completed all licensing requirements in each specific state.
Conditions Treated by Podiatrists
While almost any problem to do with the feet, legs and ankles are handled by podiatrists, they commonly treat painful problems of the feet including bunions, corns, toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and warts. They can also treat specific problems such as plantar fasciitis, arch problems, hammertoes and circulation difficulties.
They can prescribe almost any kind of medication and are sometimes able to perform surgical procedures on the foot or ankle area. In this case, they can prescribe local anesthetic and will also prescribe orthotics whenever required.
When to See Podiatrists
It is likely that you will need to see a podiatrist at some point in your life, so if your feet or ankles hurt, you may choose to go to a podiatrist first and skip your family doctor. However, most people go to their primary care doctor first and are then referred to a podiatrist, so this may be a better option, especially if your insurance requires referrals for specialty doctors.
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