Only 25% percent of Americans who have experienced foot ailments have seen a physician about their problem. Less than half that amount has visited a podiatrist. Another startling statistic is almost four in ten Americans who have experienced foot ailments rely on over the counter and self-treatments for relief while 30% of this group do nothing to relieve the pain.
Foot pain can have a profound impact on the quality of life. Children who suffer with foot pain have restricted their activities like walking, exercising, playing, running or riding a bike. For those with chronic foot pain, the number increases. When a child is suffering from foot pain, a parent can contact a podiatrist for Pediatric Foot Treatment in Bonita Springs FL today.
What Is A Podiatrist?
Podiatrists are medical specialists who help with problems that affect the feet or lower legs. They can treat injuries and complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. They may also be called a podiatric physician or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
Podiatrist and Doctors
Podiatrists are doctors, but they don’t go to a traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations. They also have “DPM” (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) after their names instead of “MD” (Medical Doctor).
Podiatrists can do surgery, reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, and order lab tests or X-rays. They often work closely with other specialists when a problem affects a child’s feet or lower legs. In the U.S., podiatrists are licensed and regulated by state governments.
Among those who have visited a podiatrist, eighty-eight percent said their podiatrist could quickly provide a clear diagnosis, and seventy-six percent said their podiatrist could prescribe an effective treatment regimen and/or medication that helped their foot- or ankle-related issues improve or go away. Early intervention for children is important because they are growing rapidly.
When suffering from foot or ankle pain, it is pertinent to visit a podiatrist such as Kelly Malinoski DPM. Foot pain is never normal, and anyone experiencing chronic pain must seek care from an experienced podiatrist. If your child is having a decreased quality of life because of pains such as this, contact Pediatric Foot Treatment in Bonita Springs FL today and visit the website for more information.
