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“Your feet will lead you to where your heart is.” – unknown.
The wellbeing of our feet is just as important as any other part of our body. They are the root of our body, and if they start to show wear and tear, then you’re sure to develop joint issues, hip pain or even spinal problems.
A Podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specialises in the care of the foot, ankle and other lower extremities. But what makes the best podiatrist? And do you need a podiatrist for your injury? When to see a Podiatrist is vital to recovering, as putting it off will only cause further issues down the line, so sooner rather than later is the key. A common complaint is a sharp or dull burning pain in the arch of the foot, which can be caused by a range of ailments, including nerve damage and diabetes. Let’s explore the top four things that make a great Podiatrist.
A Good Listener
You want a professional who is willing to listen to the problem straight from their patient’s mouths, and one who doesn’t immediately recommend surgery or other expensive treatment. A sure sign that they care about their patients is the skill of listening to them, allowing them to explain where the pain is, how long it’s been there and what type of pain it is. In order to reach a verdict, and subsequently appropriate treatment, they’ll need to know the history of the ailment. This time spent with their patient will develop trust with them.
Certified
It goes without saying that you’ll want a board certified individual. You’ll want to ensure the health professional offering their services is educated and well trained, so do background checks to clarify their qualifications are appropriate and adequate.
Patient Satisfaction
No well-established individual would go without positive patient references. Generally, satisfied patient reviews can be viewable on their website or perhaps in their office. If, however, you can’t see any testimonies from previous patients, don’t be afraid to ask for them. Your health is important and you want to be sure that you are putting it in the right hands.
Experienced
Take a peek at the podiatrist’s website, searching specifically for the length of time that they have been practicing as well as the range of ailments that they can treat.
Many can help with treatments for bunions, deformities, diabetes-related ulcers and can also provide advice on infection management and diabetic care. Ensure they can treat common injuries, such as sprains or breaks, as well as nail conditions or arthritis.
If you check out their websites, you will find that many podiatrists such as Instep Podiatry are eager to offer vital advice and information to the general public, so as to prevent foot related injuries and ailments if they can. Some foot problems can indeed be prevented if we were to act differently in early childhood. Something as simple as the type of footwear we use can make a huge impact on our health later in life.
