Managing Foot Pain in the New Year: When to See a Podiatrist
Happy New Year to all! Many people deal with foot pain daily, thinking that their pain will go away on its own or that their pain is not severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. However, delaying treatment for your foot pain can lead to larger issues. The New Year is a perfect time to start new habits. So, how do you know when to see a podiatrist? And what can you expect from your podiatry visit?
It is time to call the podiatrist if you are experiencing:
- Foot pain that is severe or lasts longer than 2-5 days
- Sudden numbness or swelling in the feet
- Recurring athlete’s foot
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or tenderness on the skin or around the toenails
- An open wound on the foot
- The inability to put weight on the foot
- An acute injury such as dropping something heavy on the foot or twisting an ankle
What to Expect During a Podiatry Visit
An Examination of Your Medical History and Symptoms
Your podiatrist will likely begin the appointment by asking about your medical history, symptoms, and any other concerns you may have. When it comes to your medical history, your podiatrist will not just be interested in learning about any previous foot and ankle injuries or surgeries but will also ask you questions about your overall health. Your doctor will be especially interested to know if you have diabetes or any cardiovascular diseases since these conditions can have a significant impact on the health of your feet.
A Physical Examination
Your podiatrist will visually examine your feet to check for any issues with the structure of your feet and any signs of infection on the skin or toenails. Your podiatrist will also likely observe as you walk or perform other movements with your feet and ankles to observe your mobility and foot mechanics.
Further Testing
If your podiatrist deems it necessary based on their physical examination, they may recommend further testing. This may include X-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds, blood tests, or nerve testing. These tests will help your podiatrist establish a diagnosis and be sure there are no underlying issues that could not be observed during the physical exam.
Discuss a Treatment Plan
After a comprehensive examination of your feet and any further testing, your podiatrist will inform you of your diagnosis and work with you to create a treatment plan. Treatment may consist of home care, medication, physical therapy, custom orthotics, and, in severe cases, surgery. Your podiatrist may also recommend scheduling a follow-up visit to monitor the health of your feet.
You don’t have to put up with foot pain. Contact one of our Family Footcare offices today to set up an appointment and get your feet back to being pain-free.
Sources:
https://www.southshorehealth.org/wellness/blog/ten-signs-its-time-see-podiatrist
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/foot-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050792
https://www.roderickhunterdpm.com/blog/knowing-when-to-seek-professional-help-to-deal-with-foot-pain
https://www.modernfootankle.com/resources/foot-care/guides/first-podiatry-visit
