Many of us dread going to the doctor, no matter the type. We put off going to the dentist, getting a check-up, and everything else in between for as long as we possibly can, but in the end, we are just doing more harm to ourselves. When it comes to your feet, you shouldn’t wait to visit your podiatrist if you’re undergoing a problem. Something small which can be fixed with traditional methods can quickly become a significant problem needing a more invasive remedy if left untreated.
If you have any foot and ankle problems, a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who treats and manages nearly all symptoms that involve the ankle or the foot. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or issues, it’s time to make an appointment to visit a podiatrist.
Numbness, swelling, or pain in one foot. Occasionally suffering from sore or swollen feet is normal, but sudden pain, numbness, or swelling in one foot for no evident reason can be a sign of a severe problem and needs a trip to the doctor.
Continuous Heel Pain
Various different issues can cause heel pain. A podiatrist will conduct an exam and take x-rays to determine the root cause and formulate a treatment plan.
Nail Fungus or Infection
The number of cases of fungal infection on toenails has grown exponentially with the popularity of nail salons. Left untreated, the infection causes the nails to become discolored and thick, and you risk it spreading to the other toenails.
You Think You’ve Broken or Sprained Your Ankle or Foot
Your first instinct may be to see the orthopedist, but a podiatrist has more experience treating foot and ankle injuries.
You Have Diabetes
People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at a much higher risk for foot issues like nerve damage, poor circulation, infection, and ulcers. If you have diabetes, you should see the podiatrist once a year for a foot exam to help prevent these potentially hazardous problems.
Painful Corns or Calluses
As a result of thickened regions of dead skin, these common problems can become painful if the skin becomes too thick. A podiatrist can remove areas of the hardened skin to relieve the pain or prescribe a topical medication to treat them.
Bunions
A bony bump that forms on the outside of the big toe joint, the condition can become very painful as the bunion gets larger. An x-ray can help identify the cause, and the podiatrist will suggest treatment options based on the severity of the bunions.
Joint Pain in the Foot or Ankle
Even if easily treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin, it’s essential to see a doctor to know the root cause of the pain–especially if the pain in your foot or ankle continues.
I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to take good care of your feet, as it can directly affect your general health and lead to more severe problems. If you are having any issues related to your feet and ankles, consult with your primary care physician about a referral to visit a podiatrist.