There are many general practitioners that treat foot-related injuries and illnesses, such as bunions and minor fungal infections. While they are often capable, they are not always the best choice for foot-related conditions. A podiatrist, or orthopaedic doctor, specializes in all things related to your feet and are often the best choice for treating conditions that affect your feet.
They Provide Superior Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes is a worldwide concern and podiatrists are some of the most qualified doctors to treat foot injuries in diabetic patients. Anyone who has diabetes or cares for a loved one who suffers with it knows that they are at an increased risk for developing serious infections in their feet. It is common for diabetic patients to develop ulcers that can be difficult to treat, or that take a long time to heal. While all precautions can be taken, it is still possible for infections to develop in feet that have cracked calluses, or even minor injuries, such as scratches. Treating foot injuries and infections in diabetic patients requires critical and attentive care from a skilled foot doctor in Beverly to help prevent serious complications that could lead to amputation.
Their Training Goes Above and Beyond
Podiatrists and orthopaedic doctors don’t just focus on treating feet; they’ve taken specialised training that extended their schooling by at least three years, or more. This intimate knowledge gives them a superior advantage in diagnosing and treating feet illnesses. Also, they are required to stay in touch with advances in their field, which means they are more informed about treatment options than a general practitioner would be.
They Are Better Equipped to Treat all Foot Injuries
Podiatrists, and to some extent orthopaedic doctors, can handle common and less common conditions, such as:
• toenail density concerns (thickness, brittle nails, cracked nails),
• ingrown toenails,
• fungal infections of the skin and nail beds,
• corns, bunions, calluses, and verrucas;
• cracked heels,
• abnormal or foul smelling feet,
• flat, or irregularly arched feet,
• plantar fasciitis and other tendon injuries,
• bone spurs, and
• broken toes and fractures.
General practitioners are often more restricted in what they can properly treat, or may not be as well informed regarding treatment protocols and therapies. This lack of knowledge can result in it taking longer to cure even a common condition, such as athlete’s foot.
When looking for a reliable foot doctor, don’t forget to contact Mitchell Foot & Ankle. With both podiatrists and orthopaedic specialists on staff, they can treat any foot-related illness.
