If you’ve finally made an appointment to see a podiatrist, congratulations! You are now one step closer to receiving individualized medical advice and treatment from a foot doctor. This specialist knows how to conduct an efficient assessment of your feet and will recommend a solution that works for you.
Coming prepared for your podiatry visit helps you make the most out of it. This way, you will be ready to ask all of the questions you have, you will not forget things that are relevant and useful, and you will be sure to bring up any concerning symptoms.
Let’s talk about a few tips on how to prepare for your first podiatry office visit, and where you can go in Naples for excellent podiatric care.
#1: Make a List
Writing down a list of all of your concerns and medical information will help you remember everything at your appointment:
- Be ready to provide your medical history and the list of medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and supplements you are taking. Medical history includes current and past illnesses, injuries, treatments, and surgeries.
- Write down all of your symptoms.
- Be sure to point out any underlying health issues you have.
- Write down all of the questions you have been meaning to ask a doctor.
- Tell the podiatrist what you have been reading and hearing regarding the issue, and ask about the accuracy of this information.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification about anything that isn’t clear (regarding diagnosis, treatment, etc.).
#2: Bring Your Shoes
The podiatrist will want to examine the shoes you wear on a regular basis if possible. Oftentimes, the wrong type of shoe is the source of the foot and ankle issue.
Bring with you the shoes you wear often – your work shoes, walking shoes, athletic shoes, dressy shoes, etc. This allows the doctor to perform a full evaluation of your foot condition.
#3: Prepare Your Feet
Since you are seeing the podiatrist for a full evaluation of your foot or ankle issue, be sure to get your feet ready for the visit. Wash and dry them thoroughly, and remove any nail polish so the doctor can evaluate your toenails as well. The podiatrist will want to see your feet as they naturally are; there is no need for any special extra treatments.
Podiatry Medical Center in Naples, FL
Now that you have these three key tips for how to prepare for your first podiatry visit, you can expect the most out of your appointment – especially a satisfactory resolution of your foot issue. The podiatrist will apply their specialized medical knowledge and skills to change your life for the better.
Our outstanding staff at the Joint Replacement Institute is here to resolve your foot problems so you can enjoy an active lifestyle. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with a skilled podiatrist, call us today at (239) 261-2663 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your partner in foot and ankle health!
FAQs
Provide Your Medical History and List of Medications. It is important to provide your podiatrist with a complete medical history, including any past injuries or surgeries, and any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes or arthritis. Usually, patients are asked to fill out a form detailing all of this.
What shoes to wear to a podiatrist appointment? ›
Wear shoes that you commonly use, as they can reveal a lot about your foot conditions through their wear patterns. Additionally, consider bringing a pair of athletic shoes if you participate in sports or physical activities, as these can offer further clues about your foot mechanics and alignment.
What happens at a podiatry assessment? ›
During your assessment you will be asked a variety of questions about you and the reason you have been referred. A review of your medical status and a footwear evaluation will take place along with a few simple and painless tests.
Do they take your blood pressure at the podiatrist? ›
During your appointment, your podiatrist will monitor your vital signs including your blood pressure.
How far up the leg does a podiatrist treat? ›
Podiatrists can diagnose and treat any issues that affect your feet, ankles and lower legs — including performing surgery.
Should I wash my feet before podiatrist? ›
Now, a podiatrist will appreciate clean feet. But they will advise against getting a pedicure for their benefit, for a number of reasons: When done in non-sterile conditions, pedicures increase the risk of foot infections.
What shoes do podiatrists not recommend? ›
Podiatry Services
- High heels.
- Too flexible.
- Slip on shoes.
- Pointed toe box.
- Flat sole.
Dress appropriately for wherever you are going and when going to the podiatrist, short skirts aren't the best idea. Stick with pants, and longer shorts or dresses. Don't: As badly as you want your feet to look nice and pretty, resist the urge and don't paint your nails.
What to expect when you go to a podiatrist? ›
What should I expect during an appointment with a podiatrist? Your podiatrist will discuss your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask about family illnesses, medicines, and allergies. They will examine you to diagnose and treat your condition.
Can a podiatrist detect arthritis? ›
They Can Diagnose Your Condition
Your podiatrist can evaluate your feet and ankles to determine the exact type of arthritis you have.
Since you are seeing the podiatrist for a full evaluation of your foot or ankle issue, be sure to get your feet ready for the visit. Wash and dry them thoroughly, and remove any nail polish so the doctor can evaluate your toenails as well.
What is the most common problem treated by a 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.
Will a podiatrist remove an ingrown toenail on the first visit? ›
For certain conditions, such as ingrown toenails, circulatory problems, fungal infections, or warts, treatment may be started at your first visit. They will also likely tidy up your feet, such as trimming your nails and removing any dry or thickened skin.
Should you let a podiatrist do surgery? ›
A podiatrist is probably more inclined to try to treat conditions conservatively and would likely recommend a surgical approach only if other methods have not been successful. In fact, some podiatrists do not do surgery or are not trained in the latest surgical techniques.
Will a podiatrist massage my feet? ›
Podiatry Massage Therapy to Reduce Foot Pain
Massage therapy can be a useful tool as part of your podiatry treatment. It is often used to release tight and tense muscles that may be contributing to your injury, such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinopathy.
How does a podiatrist check for nerve damage? ›
A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan based on your personal needs. To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, a podiatrist will do a physical exam of your feet to check for reflexes and sensation. Your medical history and blood sugar levels may also be reviewed.
Do podiatrists recommend barefoot shoes? ›
Minimalist Footwear in Podiatric Practice
Consideration should be given to their biomechanics or and lower extremity structure. With over 20 years-experience as a podiatrist, I say with some confidence, minimalist footwear is a major contributor to the onset of many foot injuries.
Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›
However, as a podiatrist, I frequently see patients with plantar fasciitis or heel pain linked to wearing Skechers. Their memory foam technology, while cushioned, often lacks the rigidity needed for proper stability and support, leading to overpronation and uneven weight distribution.
Are Birkenstocks recommended by podiatrists? ›
"They're really good for if you have a flat foot or you have arch pain because they have a supportive longitudinal arch. But I would recommend them to most people — unless you have some kind of severe ailment that obviously needs a more personalized approach."
