When you got a foot injury, your primary physician may have referred to you a podiatrist instead of a physical therapist. You might feel sceptical about the referral because it is not common to visit a podiatrist and we do not often hear about these medical specialists.
Here is a brief guide about what does the podiatrists in Singapore and how they differ from other doctors:
Podiatrists Do Not Have an MD Title
Instead of an MD (Doctor of Medicine) title, podiatrists receive a DPM or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. It is because podiatrists go to a different specialised school to finish their studies. Just like other doctors, they are required to finish a 4-year schooling programme after their undergrad.
Specialise Treating Ankle, Foot, and Lower Legs
Podiatrists specialise in providing treatments for the feet and ankles. Thus, they study what are the possible complications that might affect the bones, muscles and even the nerves on the feet. Whenever you get a foot injury, they are the most suitable specialists to consult with. Aside from injuries, these are the conditions they can treat:
Fungal Infections Around the Feet
Foot Deformities
Foot Problems due to Diabetes
Chronic Pain on the Foot
They Shouldn’t be Confused with Orthopaedists
Most often, podiatrists are confused with orthopaedists because both can treat different foot conditions. However, the former treats the foot and ankle areas, meanwhile, the latter has a wider scope. Orthopaedists manage conditions that may affect the muscles and bones of the entire body.
They May Perform Surgery
For those patients who are suffering from hammertoes, bunions, and other foot deformities may need surgery. Fortunately, when you visit a podiatry clinic in Singapore, they provide surgical treatments for such conditions.
So, if you suffer from any foot and ankle problems, don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist. There are many podiatry clinics in Singapore and one of them is East Coast Podiatry Clinic (ECPC).
