The foot is a fragile, complex body part that sets the tone for the rest of the body. Pain or discomfort in the foot can affect spinal health, potentially leading to major health problems if left untreated. That is why it is important to see an experienced Seattle foot doctor for the most effective treatment.
Find The Right Specialist
Podiatry is a specialization that requires four years of additional education after completing medical school. With 26 small bones interlocking in such a complex fashion seeing a podiatrist provides a level of understanding that a general practitioner may not be able to provide. Furthermore, within podiatry there are many specializations such as heel pain that focus on specific needs and ailments. It is important to research what specializations are available in one's community and which ailments they cover to ensure the best outcome.
Reputation Matters
One of the greatest advantages of choosing an experienced podiatrist is that for good or ill they have a reputation in the community that can be a reliable indicator for what kind of service to expect. Check within the community for a podiatry office with good recommendations from patients and colleagues alike. See if the doctor is published, and look for a practice or doctor who has won awards for things like customer care and technical accomplishment within the community. For example, Foot & Ankle Center of Washington has been voted the Best Podiatrist Seattle multiple times by several different publications.
Experienced = Experience
Any position in the medical profession is defined but constant improvement and continued education. A podiatrist with time under their belt has the added benefit of years of research and background knowledge as well as access to the latest breakthroughs in the podiatric academic community. This foundation of knowledge combined with cutting edge research and years of practical experience are a recipe for the high quality care one should be seeking for chronic foot and ankle issues.
Cost-Effective Care
Established podiatrists will be able to combine all of the benefits in this article to make sure the timeliest and most cost effective care takes place. Years of practical experience mean less trial and error when deciding on a treatment to meet the patient's needs. An established practice means they may be less inclined to push expensive treatments than new doctors looking at a mountain of student debt. An established foot doctor Seattle, Washington will have the presence of mind to keep the patients' best interests at the forefront of their practice.
Foot health dictates the health of the rest of the body. The feet are one of the most important and most stressed parts of the human form. Problems in that area should be reported to a doctor quickly so treatment can be started and the effect of the rest of the body can be minimized. While swift action is necessary, taking the time to find an experienced specialist who meets the needs of the patient is even more important.