A lot of people suffer from foot pain. Whether you need someone to help you with your gait or to recover from a foot injury, you need to find a good podiatrist to lend a hand. Just about 7 out of 10 people experiencing foot pain have absolutely no idea how to start looking for a podiatrist.
Don’t become one of this number. There are a lot of people out there claiming to be podiatrists when they haven’t got the experience or the credentials to properly treat you. Rather than just choosing the one closest to your office, ensure you are making the right choice by considering the five following things when finding a sports podiatrist in Perth:
1 - Experience
The more experience a podiatrist has, the more people they will have run into suffering from conditions similar to yours. They will be able to assess your case a lot more quickly and figure out how to best treat it. Not to mention that the longer they’ve been in the industry, the more they will have been exposed to a lot more techniques and treatment options. This will come in handy, so be sure to ask about their experience.
2 - References
One of the best ways to hear about the best podiatrist in town is through references. Ask your trusted friends and family whether they have worked with any podiatrists in the area. They may be able to connect you with someone who will do wonders for your feet. Even if they don’t have someone to recommend, they may be able to tell you who to avoid, which will still prove to be useful.
3 - Specialisation
Depending on your foot condition, you may have specific needs that require you to seek out the help of a specialised podiatrist. You need to be sure that they are more than capable of treating you and your condition. There are podiatrists who specialise in sports injuries, in post-surgical care, in biomechanics work, and much more. If you require specific work, be sure to look for someone who has been specifically trained to handle your needs.
4 - Convenience
You may have found an amazing podiatrist who is experienced and specialised in the kind of care you need. There’s only one problem - they’re located four hours away, and only open during office hours. You can’t only look for someone equipped to deal with your problem - you have to look for someone you can get to. Consider their office hours, their location, and whether you are able to visit them regularly. Consider their rates and the type of insurance they accept. You may find that working with a podiatrist in your insurance network will save you a lot of money. These are all things you must consider when choosing a foot doctor.
5 - Expertise
Sometimes the best thing your sports podiatrist in Perth can do for you is to recommend you to another doctor or to one of another specialisation. It’s important for you to choose a podiatrist who has the expertise to recognise when they can treat the problem themselves and when they need to consult someone else. There are times when you may need orthodontic care, special shoe inserts, or other tools. Make sure you choose a podiatrist who has your best interests in mind so that they can use their expertise for your good.
When you finally settle on a podiatrist with these qualities, be sure it’s someone who you are comfortable with. This will allow you to have a positive podiatric experience with a great podiatrist that you should keep around.
