When it comes to medical expertise (and confusing medical terminology) it’s hard to know where to go for certain treatments and specialities. Of course you want to see the most qualified person but trying to figure out who that is can be daunting and time consuming. On top of that, choosing the wrong person could have severe consequences.

You may have the basic understanding of what a Podiatrist specializes in, but not their broad scope of treatments. Can you go to one for foot surgery?  What kinds? Should you go to an orthopedic surgeon? Is one better than the other?  In short, they have similar offerings but they are not the same. When it comes to treating foot and ankle issues, see a specialized Podiatrist like a foot and ankle doctor in Scottsdale.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in a variety of issues related to the lower extremities. They are in fact medically trained, meaning they attend medical school and a residency (such as doctors), however, their entire professional schooling after receiving a bachelor’s degree is specifically focused on the lower half of the body. In total, they spend 7-8 years just studying the functions, diseases and anatomy of the legs, feet and ankles. This is highly respectable and important because the foot is one of the most complex systems of the human body and requires a lot of skill and mastery. Expertise is one of the top reasons someone should see a Podiatrist!

Podiatrist Can Perform a Range of Surgeries

Podiatrists can diagnose problems, prescribe medicine and perform a range of surgeries regarding the bones, joints, tissues and skin of the legs and feet. But when it comes to surgeries, most people aren’t quite sure of what they can, and can’t do.

A specialized foot doctor can do both major and minor surgeries. They can operate on broken or fractured feet and toes. They can also perform surgery to address broken or sprained ankles, as well as chronic ankle issues which often require repair and reconstruction. They even do minor procedures such as removing ingrown toenails, skin lesions and bunionectomies.

A Podiatrist Should Be Your First Choice

Podiatrists are very skilled doctors that can address several issues with extensive knowledge and experience. If necessary they can consult with other professionals in the field to develop the most informed treatment plan for you. Surgery is often a last resort but if it becomes necessary, it’s comforting to know you’re in the right hands.