Podiatrist (Podotherapeut)
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A podiatrist is a paramedic who specializes in podiatry. Podiatry relates to foot complaints, which can arise in different ways. Think, for example, of a different foot position, abnormal walking pattern, complaints as a result of overload, sports injuries or skin and nail disorders, which cannot be treated by a medical pedicure. In addition, a podiatrist may have to deal with people who have diabetes mellitus. In addition to treating foot complaints, a podiatrist can perform treatments with regard to other joint complaints, which arise from the abnormal functioning of the feet. Think of the ankles, knees, hips and, for example, the back. Podiatry is a legally recognized paramedical profession in the Netherlands. The title podiatrist is therefore a title protected by law, which may not be used just like that. The profession of podiatrist is a paramedical profession, which means that a podiatrist may independently perform certain established medical procedures despite the fact that a podiatrist cannot be regarded as a doctor. It is not the case that only people with positional deviations of the feet can have to deal with a podiatrist, because the work of a podiatrist must be seen more broadly. Another name for podiatry is also called foot therapy. As a podiatrist you have to deal with clients who have problems with their feet and joints. It is up to the podiatrist to apply corrective or protective techniques to solve or reduce the complaints. Other activities of a podiatrist are correcting abnormal toe positions and treating skin and nail disorders. A podiatrist may refer clients to other specialists, such as orthopedic shoemakers.
A podiatrist is therefore a paramedic who specializes in podiatry. As a podiatrist you have to deal with clients who experience problems with their feet and / or joints. In addition, a podiatrist can help people who have skin and nail disorders or help people who have open wounds. In all cases, a podiatrist will try to reduce or resolve the complaints by applying corrective and/or protective techniques. A podiatrist examines complaints from patients and determines the treatment method after his examination. The examination usually involves hearing the complaints, analyzing the gait and possibly performing measurements or scans. When all the data is in, the podiatrist can draw up a treatment plan. This can include, for example, an adapted sole or a toe prosthesis. Depending on the condition, a podiatrist may also refer people to other specialists, such as an orthopedic technologist or an orthopedic shoemaker.
WHEN TO SEE A PODIATRIST
Most people who have to deal with a podiatrist have been referred by the general practitioner to a medical specialist, such as an orthopedist or a rehabilitation doctor. Foot complaints can cause various other problems, because there is usually a different foot position. An abnormal foot position can cause problems with the knees, ankles and back. In order to be able to adjust the foot position, a podiatrist can advise to use an orthosis or, for example, to wear orthopedic shoes. People who have diabetes or, for example, rheumatism generally often come into contact with a podiatrist. In addition, people can be referred by company doctors if, for example, there is overload. An alternative therapy aimed at the feet is reflexology.
WHEN TO THE PODIATRIST:
- In case of complaints due to overload
- In case of nail problems
- For specific foot problems in children
- In specific diseases such as rheumatism, diabetes and vascular leading
- In case of sports injuries
- In case of stand deviations on the feet, toes or nails
WHAT DOES A PODIATRIST DO:
PODIATRIST TRAINING
If you aspire to a career as a podiatrist, it is best to opt for the Hbo podiatry course of about four years. After the Hbo podiatry course, a podiatrist can specialize even further by following a post-hbo training in diabetes podiatry or sports podiatry. These courses take about two years to complete. Some podiatrists also choose to study movement sciences. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur. For more information, see the Dutch Association of Podiatrists.
COMPANIES WHERE A PODIATRIST CAN WORK
Most podiatrists work as entrepreneurs within their own podiatric practice. In addition, a podiatrist can work for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, health centers, rheumatism clinics or, for example, work for an orthopedic clinic. Most podiatrists are employed as entrepreneurs.
COMPETENCES PODIATRIST
As a podiatrist, being able to analyze is one of the important competencies, so that the correct diagnosis can be made. Analyzing it in a good way is only possible if the podiatrist listens carefully to clients. A podiatrist must therefore have good communication skills. If you work as an independent entrepreneur, it is also important that you have commercial skills. Think of all the tasks that belong to your own practice, such as conducting an administration, accounting and networking. Generally important words are analytical, innovation, independence, technique, solution-oriented, planning, precise and control.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A PODIATRIST
The labour market perspective of a podiatrist is good, provided you have the right training. The demand for graduated podiatrists is still growing every year. This is also because many people have foot problems, which can vary from annoying complaints to serious complaints. As a podiatrist, there are limited career opportunities, such as obtaining a managerial position. A podiatrist can also further specialize within his field. In addition, starting your own practice can be seen as growing within your career.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY PODIATRIST
The employment conditions as a podiatrist cannot simply be indicated, because you can work for different types of institutions. In addition, it is true that quite a lot of podiatrists work as independent entrepreneurs. As an independent entrepreneur, you naturally determine your own terms of employment. A podiatrist in paid employment earns a salary between 2200 and 3400 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and responsibilities. As an independent entrepreneur, you can generally earn more as a podiatrist than in paid employment. This of course depends on the number of clients and other matters such as practice costs.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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