A podiatrist, also known as a foot doctor is a professional who treats patients who suffer from ailments that affect the feet, ankles and lower legs. A podiatrist in Chicago uses a number of tools when examining a patient and making an initial diagnosis of the problem. Once the problem is isolated the podiatrist can turn to a number of different treatment methods including the prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication, removal of skin maladies and fitting the patient with custom made orthotics designed to relieve pain and discomfort. The majority of podiatrists offer a general practice although there are some that specialize in such things as sports injuries.
When the patient first visits the podiatric clinic the podiatrist will gather information about the current symptoms as well as the overall health history. Once this information has been compiled the podiatrist will conduct an in depth evaluation of the problem area. If the problem turns out to be a corn or perhaps a wart these can usually be removed, the podiatrist can burn it off, cut it off or freeze it. Ingrown toe nails are a traditional problem that can be treated with care. To ensure an accurate diagnosis the podiatrist will turn to imaging equipment such as an X-Ray.
Should the results of the initial evaluation show that the problem is an internal injury such as a torn ligament or a stress fracture the podiatrist may turn to surgical intervention. Many podiatrists are licensed to conduct surgery although not all; those that are not licensed will often refer the patient to an orthopedic surgeon, another specialized branch of medicine. Upon the completion of the surgery the patient will continue with follow-up visits to the podiatrist to ensure the foot or ankle is healing as it should. If the podiatrist feels it is necessary he or she can fit the patient with custom shoe inserts that provide proper support and cushioning. The podiatrist can also prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs and if necessary, arrange for the patient to undergo rehab treatment by a physical therapist.
The podiatrist in Chicago will have devoted a number of years to his or her education and residency before getting licensed to treat patients. The future podiatrist needs to complete a four year undergraduate course of studies followed by a further four years of medical school and then complete a residency program that is at least two years long before being given the opportunity to take the licensing examination.
If you are suffering from pain or discomfort in your feet, ankles and lower leg then you should arrange a visit to a podiatrist in Chicago. Click here to make an appointment at Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare.
