Your feet are the foundations of your entire body that keep you firmly on the ground. Because of that, they bear enormous pressure. While your feet do a good job, you probably don’t pay much attention to them. And even when a problem arises, your feet are actually the last suspect. Why you need a Podiatrist?
Very often, people aren’t aware that the cause of back and neck pain can start from the feet. Or that foot pain can be a symptom of some other disease. So if your physician suspects any of these, there’s a good chance you’ll need to see a podiatrist.
A podiatrist is a doctor specializing in the lower leg and foot area. If you haven’t met them yet, you’ll need some guidance on how to find a reputable and reliable expert. So if you’re looking for a South Bay Foot and Ankle Doctor, we’ll give you some helpful tips.
Gather Information
You can start your search for a foot medical expert from your physician. They can recommend to you specialists they’ve worked with before. And even if they didn’t, they are certainly more familiar with podiatry clinics in the South Bay area.
This referral is relevant because doctors cooperate only with certified and licensed medical experts. However, it doesn’t mean your search is over. Just because your physician recommends someone doesn’t mean that’s the best choice for you.
You can also get suggestions about podiatrists from your insurance company. They have a list of specialists and clinics participating in your insurance plan. After getting some names, go online to gather more information about these experts. Moreover, you’ll find several more clinics and podiatrists in your area.
Check Credentials
After selecting podiatrists that are closest to you, it’s time to check their credentials and reputation. So your first task is to see if they’re board-qualified and licensed. This information should be available on the podiatrist’s web page. If not, you can easily check it on the board’s website.
Considering that you may need a podiatrist for various reasons, you must find an expert in that niche. These doctors can sub-specialize in dermatology, surgery, sports medicine, diabetic foot treatment, etc. So they must have board certificates for that.
On the following page, find out the reasons why athletes should see a podiatrist:
Last but not least is the state work license. Foot doctors from the South Bay must meet the requirements set by the Californian government. Otherwise, they can’t have a private practice and legally operate in this state.
Read Reviews
After checking credentials, formal education, and expertise, turn to the more ‘humane’ side, that is, the relationship with patients, access to treatment, and communication. You will find that out from unbiased reviews and comments from previous patients.
With a simple online search, you can easily find reviews for podiatrists. Of course, a large number of positive comments and praise are a good sign, but make sure these aren’t generic. Trust those reviews where the reviewers gave a little more detailed explanation than just ‘Doctor XY is the best.’
Pay special attention to negative comments and things that patients complain about. Of course, all praise and critics should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, if the majority of people complain about, for example, poor communication and provide a valid reason for that, that can be a red alert.
Make Appointment
Before deciding on a podiatrist, contact several clinics and ask some questions. You must find out their working hours, exact location, whether they accept new patients, and how long you have to wait for an appointment. If you get satisfactory answers, book an initial check-up.
Go to your appointment prepared. The questions you should ask your podiatrist should be about your foot problem (here’s the list of most common ones) . Pay attention to their approach and way of communication. If you’re not happy with that, and it seems like you’re not getting enough attention, move on. But if the doctor listened to you carefully and gave clear answers, you find yourself a podiatrist.
Your feet can also get sick and your entire body will suffer. If you face these problems, look for a podiatrist in your area with a good reputation and track record. This specialist will take care of your foot issue, provide the best treatment, and guide you on their prevention.