Symptoms That Indicate You Should See a Podiatrist | AO (2024)

Symptoms That Indicate You Should See a Podiatrist | AO (1)

A podiatrist diagnoses and treats a wide range of disorders, injuries, and deformities of the foot and ankle. Whether you sprain an ankle, have an ingrown toenail, or see a bunion developing, a highly qualified foot doctor can help.

Here are five symptoms that suggest it’s time to see a podiatrist.

1. Pain and Swelling from an Acute Injury

If you injured your foot or ankle, such as twisting your ankle, dropping something heavy on your foot, or suffered an injury in a car or sports accident, you may need to see a podiatrist. Look out for signs of pain and swelling that suggest the problem may be related to severely damaged tissue, such as a tear or fracture.

When you suffer an injury to the foot or ankle, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This is because foot and ankle injuries are very difficult to assess on your own. A painful foot may be due to a bruised muscle that requires nothing more than rest or due to a fracture that needs treatment. In fact, even the level of pain is not always a good indicator of whether you need medical attention. Sometimes, mild to moderate foot pain can suggest the injury is minor, when in fact, the injury needs medical treatment to heal properly.

As such, if you suffer an acute injury, it’s best to see a podiatrist to get the injury evaluated. This is particularly true for those suffering from arthritis or diabetes.

2. Numbness and Tingling in the Feet

People with diabetes and peripheral circulation problems need regular podiatric care with an experienced podiatrist to avoid the progression of issues, such as neuropathy, ulcerations, Charcot foot, and more. Our podiatrist, Dr. Benjamin Potter, is a qualified foot and ankle surgeon. He is able to manage the effects of nerve and blood vessel damage using both surgical and non-operative solutions that preserve tissue and improve circulation and ambulation.

3. Balance or Gait Issues

Arthritis, sports training, overuse injuries, and deformities such as hammertoes can impede proper balance and ambulation. Podiatrists often use custom orthotics (shoe inserts) and assistive devices (splints and walking boots) to correct posture and balance. Dr. Potter has expertise in the special needs of athletes –professional and amateur –and advises active individuals on how to train safely and efficiently.

4. Itchy, Inflamed Skin or Deformed, Yellow Nails

Athletes’ foot impacts thousands of Americans who are sports enthusiasts or simply have picked up the fungus while walking barefoot or wearing sweaty shoes. Nails, too, may become thick, yellow, and deformed. Your foot doctor can examine your feet and prescribe topical or oral medications to clear the fungus and treat nail problems, so you walk comfortably and enjoy clear, healthy nails and skin.

Over-the-counter treatments are not as effective as podiatrist-led treatments. These issues may seem like minor problems, but they can lead to complications and be bothersome for months, if not years, when not treated properly.

5. Foot or Heel Pain

A great indicator that you need to see a podiatrist is if you have chronic foot or heel pain. Heel pain is often due to plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the heel of the foot becomes inflamed and painful, particularly right after getting out of bed or after long periods of standing on your feet. Foot pain can be caused by many issues, such as overuse, improper footwear, and more.

If you are experiencing foot or heel pain, it’s best to see a podiatrist, because it will likely continue to get worse without proper treatment or adjustments to your footwear or lifestyle. Instead of waiting for the pain to become unbearable, see a podiatrist soon, so you can alleviate the pain and go back to living life pain-free.

Experienced Foot Doctor in Kingsport, TN

At Associated Orthopaedics, our professional team includes Dr. Benjamin Potter, a podiatric surgeon and sports medicine expert who diagnoses and treats foot and ankle conditions and injuries of all kinds. He is known for his kind, patient-centered approach to treating patients and returning them to active, pain-free lifestyles.

Call today for a consultation with Dr. Potter: (423) 245-3161. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!

Symptoms That Indicate You Should See a Podiatrist | AO (2024)

FAQs

Symptoms That Indicate You Should See a Podiatrist | AO? ›

You should see a podiatrist if you feel pain or have problems with your feet, ankles or lower limbs such as discoloured skin/nails, skin rashes, foot odour, foot ulcers or foot injuries. It is also good to see a podiatrist if you have diabetes, arthritis or tripping and falling issues.

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.

When should a client see a podiatrist? ›

Visit a healthcare provider or a podiatrist if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms in your foot or ankle: Pain. Discoloration or redness. Swelling.

What your feet can tell you about your health according to a podiatrist? ›

Your feet can tell you a lot about underlying health conditions before they show up anywhere else. From tingly feelings and numbness, to joint aches or ulcers, your feet will show you symptoms that you can attend to before they become a more serious problem.

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.

What are 7 common foot problems? ›

Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

What is the most common foot abnormality? ›

Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osem*ne, is an expert in treating these conditions and the discomfort they can cause. Two of the most common foot and ankle deformities are bunions and hammertoes.

When should you refer a patient to a podiatrist? ›

Any signs of infection or inflammation. – Nail changes or skin lesions, such as corns and callus and whether any foot deformities are present.

What is the difference between a foot doctor and a podiatrist? ›

A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon performs complex surgical procedures, not performed by a podiatrist. There can be some overlap in what a podiatrist treats and what an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist treats such as the simpler conditions of sprains and strains.

Does a podiatrist cut toenails? ›

Your podiatrist can safely cut your nails and remove fungus without spreading it. They can also prescribe antifungal creams and sprays to help the nail heal.

What diseases can your feet reveal? ›

Yellow Toenails

Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Can a podiatrist tell if you have neuropathy? ›

A podiatrist, family physician, internist, or physician who specializes in diabetes can diagnose peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a physical exam, health history, and your reporting of symptoms.

What color should the bottoms of your feet be? ›

Your feet should be the same color as the other skin on your body, but sometimes they adopt a different hue.

Should seniors see a podiatrist? ›

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.

How often should you visit a 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.

Can a podiatrist tell if you have arthritis? ›

A podiatrist will be able to tell you if you have osteoarthritis of the foot.

What are two common foot problems of the elderly? ›

Some of the most common foot problems in older adults include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown, thickened or discolored nails, diabetic foot conditions, poor circulation, and heel pain. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health as you age.

What kinds of patients might be referred to a podiatrist? ›

Podiatrists treat people of any age for many foot-related conditions, including:
  • Fractures and sprains. Podiatrists regularly treat these common injuries when they affect a foot or ankle. ...
  • Bunions and hammertoes. ...
  • Diabetes. ...
  • Arthritis. ...
  • Growing pains. ...
  • Heel pain. ...
  • Morton's neuroma.
Jul 7, 2023

Can a podiatrist treat poor circulation in feet? ›

If you have poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and help you manage this condition. While poor circulation itself isn't a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have.

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