Podiatrists are medical specialists in the care of the feet, legs, and ankles. They collaborate with other medical care professionals, such as your primary care physician, to address the symptoms of any underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or arthritis, which may impact your foot health.
What are the signs that it’s time to see a podiatrist? A podiatrist can help alleviate pain, correct deformities, prevent foot problems from developing, and keep you active and mobile for the rest of your life.
You Have Heel Pain
A variety of factors may cause heel discomfort and pain. You might have a heel spur, plantar fasciitis, or one of the tendons that attach to the heel could be irritated and inflamed. A podiatrist will do a foot examination, and establishing a correct diagnosis is the first step in developing a treatment plan.
You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a severe chronic illness that may lead to various medical issues and significant foot problems, and non-healing sores that can cause severe infections.
If you have diabetes with foot issues or a lesion not healing correctly. A diabetic patient who has a non-healing lower extremity wound faces amputation. If you have diabetes, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.
You Have A Painful Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails may lead to an infection. Most often, the big toe is affected by ingrown toenails. Consult a podiatrist if a toenail is red or has excessive discharge.
In rare circumstances, when this is a persistent problem, they may remove a portion of the whole nail to help you overcome it permanently.
You Have Flat Feet
Flat feet may put undue strain on the body, causing uncomfortable pain in the feet, heels, knees, lower back, and neck. Bunions and tendonitis are more likely if you have flat feet.
If you have flat feet, you should see a podiatrist who will create custom orthotics to help with your arches and heels.
You Need Custom Foot Orthotics
If you have foot or lower leg discomfort, a podiatrist is more likely to provide a prompt diagnosis and treatment suggestions. Podiatrists can accurately diagnose many foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions, including orthotics.
You Have Recurring Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that often forms between the toes. Fungal infection is infectious, and it is frequent among persons who live in moist settings, have sweaty feet, and constantly wear shoes that are too tight.
If you have an athlete’s foot, you will likely suffer scaly rashes on your feet, itching, stinging, and a burning feeling. If an athlete’s foot is not treated on time, more significant side effects may develop.
You Have A Painful Bunion
A bunion is a protrusion at the base of the big toe that causes the big toe to shift towards the other smaller toes. A bunion may create skin irritation that results in discomfort. If a bunion is not treated right away, it might worsen.
If you have a bunion, you should see a podiatrist. A podiatrist will provide the best therapy and provide the best solution. A podiatrist is the surgeon of choice for bunion surgery.
You Have Ankle And Foot Joint Pain
Arthritis is the most frequently diagnosed condition affecting individuals today. Consult a podiatrist if the joints in your feet are often swollen, red, stiff, or sore. Arthritis may lead to damaged joints and, ultimately, disability. A podiatrist may recommend therapies to help you maintain joint health and live more comfortably.
You Have a Painful Corn or Callus
Painful corns and calluses are two of the most prevailing reasons individuals obtain the services of a podiatrist. If these regions of excess skin get too thick, they may be uncomfortable. Corns and calluses may be removed by a podiatrist, who can also provide advice for unloading these areas.
You Suffer From Excruciating Hammertoes
Hammertoes are caused by an imbalance in the tendons, ligaments, or muscles that ordinarily support the toe. It may be uncomfortable and challenging to move the afflicted toe. If you have a hammertoe, you should consult a podiatrist for treatment.
A podiatrist may suggest shoe inserts or pads. If the condition is severe, arthroplasty may be required to treat the damaged toe. A podiatrist is the most qualified surgeon for this surgery.
The Bottom Line
A podiatrist can determine whether an underlying condition is causing the pain or discomfort. Make an appointment with a podiatrist if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.