A podiatrist is much more than just a foot doctor, which is the way most people think. A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in anything to do with the feet, study, diagnosis as well as treatment and prevention. The podiatrist does not stop at the feet; at the Jacksonville Foot Clinic they also treat any issues with the ankles and lower legs. Podiatry is a specialty in the medical field and the practitioners are certifies in primary medicine and can comfortably practice in other areas as well, it all depends on the expertise and educational attainments.
Education and licensing
A doctor in podiatry carries a DPM degree, DPM meaning Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. During their education they study such diverse fields as radiology, anesthetics and orthopedic surgery. Prior to board certification, an internship and residents program must be completed prior to certification by the state board.
At the Jacksonville Foot Clinic the podiatrists are all licensed to practice. Every state has its own rules when licensing physicians but they all must have a degree and they must pass the tests set by the state. Licenses that are issued to podiatrists in one state may or may not be transferable when moving to another state. Any podiatrist contemplating a move out of state is well advised to check the licensing laws prior to making the decision.
Podiatrists are faced with dealing with irritations of their patient’s feet, many of which are very painful. These irritants can consist of corns and bunions, planter’s warts, ingrown nails and toenail fungus. As well as handling these issues, all of which are treatable, the podiatrist will be faced with problems with patient’s arches and circulation problems in the lower extremities. Circulation problems are often the result of diabetes which may take the intervention of another specialist. Podiatrists also prescribe orthopedic intervention when necessary.
Modern treatment methods
Toenail fungus is quite common and is something that can be picked up in many warm and moist environments such as gyms, locker rooms and public swimming pools. Not only can it be picked up, it can be caused by wearing shoes that do not allow for the foot to breath or by walking barefoot out of doors. The fungus is actually quite difficult to treat, normally taking many weeks or even months for a very aggressive infection.
The podiatrists at the Jacksonville Foot Clinic spot the infection when they first see a thickening of a nail which may have turned color, perhaps yellow or gray. The nail may also be brittle and crumble when manipulated. Without treatment the nail may fall off completely but unfortunately, without treatment the replacement nail will also be infected.
The podiatrist will treat the condition with various medications and recommend that open toed shoes be worn as the treatment progresses. Effective healing is best when air and light are allowed to circulate around the feet and affected nail.
Toenail fungus in the Jacksonville Foot Clinic can be accomplished with laser, a cutting edge, FDA approved solution.
