We rely on our feet to keep us standing and give us the mobility we are so used to. You may not think of going to a foot doctor as necessary and only consider it if you’ve got existing foot problems, however going to see a foot doctor or podiatrist can have many benefits. Make it part of your overall health check-up routine, and you won’t be sorry.
Podiatrists treat foot pain, skin problems, toenail problems, and diabetes complications. If you are unsure of how often to visit a podiatrist’s office, ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a podiatrist, and they will let you know how regular your visits should be based on some factors.
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is an expert in treating problems concerning the foot and ankle. Examples of conditions they can treat are calluses, bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, athlete’s foot, fractures, and diabetes complications. A podiatrist can identify early signs of foot problems. Through a review of your medical history, they can also identify potential causes of foot problems and make recommendations to minimize risk.
How Often Should You Visit?
Podiatrists will advise you on the regularity of your visits. Generally, if your feet and ankles are problem-free and your overall health is good, an annual visit to the podiatry office will suffice. You could have an undiagnosed foot condition that should be addressed as early as possible, which, if treated early, could reduce the chances of serious foot problems in the future. However, for patients with chronic foot conditions, the podiatrist may recommend more frequent visits to check up on the condition.
Aside from chronic foot conditions, patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes need to see a podiatrist regularly. Podiatrists provide diabetic foot care and usually recommend a visit every three to four months depending on the symptoms of the patient. Patients experiencing numbness and tingling are usually considered high-risk. Diabetes makes you highly vulnerable to foot problems due to high glucose levels, poor circulation, and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Complications that can arise from diabetes include infections, ulcers, and limb loss. With diabetes, minor foot problems can develop into larger problems quickly, hence the recommended regular visits to the podiatrist.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your feet daily for signs of cuts, scrapes, skin thickening, and other issues. If you notice any abnormalities, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual visits to a podiatrist, but patients with foot problems that require monitoring may need more frequent visits.
Often, people fail to value their feet until it’s too late. Just as you would make an appointment for neck or back pain, you should do the same for your feet. Your feet and ankles literally carry your weight every time you stand. They deserve the best care from a board-certified podiatrist.
Podiatric Surgeon in Naples, FL
Dr. Jaime Weaver of the Joint Replacement Institute is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surgery and committed to providing comprehensive foot and ankle care. We welcome new patients who are ready to make their first appointment with a podiatrist and those with chronic foot and ankle conditions and diabetes. Call (239) 261-2663 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weaver or use our online request form.
FAQs
Generally, if your feet and ankles are problem-free and your overall health is good, an annual visit to the podiatry office will suffice.
How often should you visit the podiatrist? ›
Depending on your feet and the problems you have it can vary. Some patients come every 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and some once a year. It is advised to see a podiatrist once a year for routine care and foot health.
How often should you get your feet checked? ›
Foot problems can be avoided if you take care of your feet and act quickly when you have a problem. Get your feet checked at least once a year by a doctor or podiatrist to detect problems early and help prevent complications.
Should you see a podiatrist regularly? ›
It is important to see a podiatrist regularly for healthier feet and ankles. They are able to identify minor problems early on and take steps to prevent them from becoming worse. A podiatrist also ensures injuries heal properly so long term problems, such as pain and instability, do not develop.
How often should you go to the chiropody? ›
Regular Appointments
Routine appointments with your chiropodist can ensure foot health. As a general rule we suggest patients book in for appointments every 6 weeks. Chiropody appointments are to keep your feet healthy.
How often can you see a podiatrist on Medicare? ›
Medicare will help cover 1 foot exam per year if you have diabetes‑related lower leg nerve damage that can increase the risk of limb loss. However, Medicare will only cover the exam if you haven't seen a foot care professional for another reason between visits.
What is the most common problem treated by podiatrist? ›
Common problems that podiatrists treat include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and athlete's foot. Treatment methods used by podiatrists can vary depending on the specific condition but often include things like orthotic devices, braces, or surgery.
How often should you get your feet done? ›
Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to wait 4 to 6 weeks between pedicures. This allows your nails to grow out and can help prevent any potential damage or infection that could occur from getting pedicures too frequently.
How often should feet be inspected? ›
Inspect feet daily for redness, warmth, swelling or any other new injury. Use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet. Always wear socks with shoes and inspect them daily.
Should diabetics wear socks to bed? ›
Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night. Do not use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your feet.
To be able to maintain an active lifestyle and your independence, it's important to visit the podiatrist regularly in your senior years and, as it is with patients of any age, you should make an appointment with Dr. David R. Sullivan as soon as you become aware of any foot or ankle problems.
Is an orthopedic doctor better than a podiatrist? ›
Although an orthopedist technically has studied foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist specializes in them. This specialization allows a podiatrist to better address issues unique to your foot and ankle. If you're looking for an experienced podiatrist in Naples, Florida, visit the Joint Replacement Institute.
How often should a podiatrist cut your toenails? ›
How often should you ask for the help of a specialist? Toenails grow about two millimeters per month, so your loved one may need a trim every six to eight weeks.
How often do you need to go to a podiatrist? ›
The recommended frequency of visits to a podiatrist varies depending on several factors. While some might need to see a comprehensive foot specialist once a year, others might need to make more frequent visits due to specific conditions or issues.
How long should healthy toenails be? ›
But, leaving them too long can allow them to catch on something and tear. If that tear goes into your nail bed, this can also lead to an ingrown toenail. In general, you should keep your toenails about 1-2 millimeters (0.04-0.08 inches) above where they attach to your toes.
How often should you have your feet checked? ›
In most cases, serious foot problems can be prevented. You can do this by checking your feet yourself every day, and having a foot check at least once a year that's arranged by your GP practice.
What part of the body does a podiatrist focus on? ›
Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in treating conditions related to the foot, ankle and lower leg. You may also hear podiatrists referred to as Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Podiatric Physicians or simply Foot Doctors.
How often should a diabetic see a podiatrist? ›
CONCLUSION. Diabetes, unfortunately, comes with a wide variety of painful and potentially harmful symptoms. Patients who visit a foot doctor or podiatrist at least once a year can gain a better understanding of foot health and reduce chances of developing diabetic neuropathy.
How important are podiatrists? ›
When it comes to foot and ankle health, it's important to seek care from a trained specialist. A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle conditions.
