To many people a podiatrist is a “foot doctor.” A podiatrist in Chicago is a doctor, one who specializes in the treatment and prevention of conditions that affect the lower extremities; the feet, ankles and lower leg.
A podiatrist needs to know a great deal more than just ailments of the lower limbs. While studying and working towards a DPM degree (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) the courses include such diverse areas as radiology and anesthesiology as well as various types of surgery including orthopedic. On their way to becoming board certified the podiatrist will normally have completed an internship and residency program.
Once the podiatrist in Chicago becomes board certified they must obtain a license to practice. Like the majority of professional licensure exams they vary from one state to another but in all cases the podiatrist must pass an examination and evaluation. In many cases the license to practice is only valid in the state in which it was issued, should the doctor wish to move the practice to another state there is a good chance that the license will not be recognized and further exams will be necessary to gain a license in the new state.
There are a number of issues that a podiatrist in Chicago deals with, these includes corns, bunions, toenail fungus as well as planter’s warts and ingrown nails. Depending on the condition the treatment may be quite quick while in other cases the length of care can be considerably longer. A podiatrist can also treat issues with the arch of the foot and problems with the lower leg such as poor circulation which is often the result of diabetes.
It is highly recommended that anyone who suffers from any of these conditions or experiences any cramps, numbness or pain in the foot, ankle or lower leg make arrangements to be examined by a podiatrist. Make sure the doctor is aware of any illness that you have such as diabetes, also tell the doctor is you are currently taking medication or smoke. Once the podiatrist has established your medical history he or she will focus on the overall structure of the feet and ankles, determining what irregularity is causing the discomfort or infection. It is only then that the podiatrist can develop a course of treatment to overcome the problem. A podiatrist may suggest that the patient be fitted with support shoes to aid in the healing.
