Many people get confused with these two professions, and it is kind of understandable. But no matter what the confusion is, you still need to know the difference and visit your podiatrist when you need to. If you do not have a trusted podiatrist, you should check out Orthotic Solutions Podiatry and see what they can offer.
Why is there confusion?
There has always been confusion between these two words, a podiatrist and a chiropodist, from a name change nationwide in the 1960s. A chiropodist is an ancient word that has been slowly confused with the word chiropractor, and the foot specialists then decided to change the name to podiatrist instead.
Podiatrist is here to take care of your feet
However, while this change has happened in many states, including the USA, there are still some places such as Canada, where they use the professional and ancient term chiropodist to name their profession. This means that there is one part of students who learn about podiatrists while another part is learning about the same thing with a different name.
Do not let this confuse you because a podiatrist and a chiropodist are the same professions but they have a different name. It is a bit ironic that the name was changed to not get confused with another profession, and now people are even more confused. If you still need help, make sure to contact a podiatrist Rose Bay from Orthotic Solutions Podiatry for your queries.
The job of a podiatrist and more
To make it easier for you, podiatrists are also called the Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, and they are able to treat and diagnose conditions that are affecting our feet, ankles, or structures of our lower legs. DPM is also listed as the 15th best-paid profession about ten years ago, and even today, it is not that much lower as their salary is somewhere between $170,000 and $250,000.
What is the job of a podiatrist?
- Podiatrists can perform surgery if needed, and this includes reconstructive surgeries as well as the microsurgeries.
- They can administer sedation and anesthetics aswell as prescribe needed medications.
- A podiatrist will perform a medical examination and take the medical history.
- Treat sport-related injuries and set your fractures into place.
- Perform and order the appropriate physical therapy you might need.
- Prescribe and fit orthotics, casts, prosthetics, and insoles.
- Take and interpret X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds, as well as other imaging.
Podiatrists are foot doctors
In order for them to do the above-mentioned services, they need to know what they are doing at all, and this takes skill. They are real doctors, so do not disregard them as people who do not know what they are doing.
Keep your legs clean but do not go overboard and get a pedicure
It is also important that you find a podiatrist whom you can trust, as this is always much easier for both the patient and the doctor. This way, your podiatrist will already know your medical history, and the examination and the treatment plan will be much easier to prescribe. Do your research, and choose the appropriate reputable podiatrist.
Final word
One thing every foot doctor hates is when you do unnecessary things before your podiatry exam; for example, ladies there is really no need to shave your legs, just keep them clean. In addition, do not get your toenails done before going to a podiatrist, because your doctor will not be able to tell you what is wrong then. The only important thing is to keep your feet clean and visit your podiatrist on time.