Foot and ankle problems can be due to chronic medical conditions like arthritis or diabetes, but even everyday situations, such as overuse or poorly fitting shoes, can lead to foot pain. A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle related conditions and injuries. Podiatrists provide a wide range of medical care for problems of the foot, and ankle. They diagnose and treat illnesses and perform surgery. The following are ten reasons why you should see a podiatrist:
1. You Have Diabetes
Diabetes makes you significantly more prone to foot problems. Diabetics are more prone to losing sensation in their feet and developing ulcers and wounds that can cause infections. If you have diabetes, you should have a foot exam performed by a podiatrist at least once a year. According to studies, having a podiatrist as part of your healthcare team can significantly lower the risk of amputation due to complications from diabetes.
2. Heel Pain
There are many causes of heel pain. You may have a bony growth on the heel known as a heel spur. On the other hand, one of the tendons that connects to the heel may be inflamed. If you have persistent heel pain, see a podiatrist for a diagnosis. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward developing a treatment plan.
3. Ingrown Toenail
When a toenail grows into the skin, the ingrown nail may cause an infection. Ingrown toenails most often affect the big toe. If your toe is very red or has lots of drainage, visit a podiatrist for treatment. In some cases, the doctor will remove part of the nail. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the area is infected, and discuss strategies to prevent an ingrown nail from coming back.
4. Walking or Running for Exercise
People who are active or play sports are especially prone to foot or ankle injuries or conditions. Runners are especially prone to aches and pains like shin splints and other issues. A podiatrist can assess your feet to flag potential problems and recommend strategies to avoid them. He or she can also recommend the best type of athletic shoe for your foot type.
5. Feeling Pain in Your Feet or Ankles
Arthritis is a condition that affects the long-term health and function of joints. Arthritis cause swollen, red, stiff or tender joints in your feet. Arthritis can change the way the feet function and lead to disability. A podiatrist can suggest treatments that may preserve joint health and make it easier for you to carry out your daily activities.
6. Trauma to Your Foot or Ankle
Podiatrists are experts at treating sprains, strains, and broken bones in the foot or the ankle. They can diagnose your injury and suggest treatment. Swelling, trouble walking, redness, and increasing pain following an injury are all reasons to visit a podiatrist.
7. You Need Foot Surgery
Surgery is often the last treatment a podiatrist recommends for many foot conditions. Podiatrists perform surgery for various types of foot problems. Conditions that may require surgery include bunions, contracted toes (Hammertoes), recurring ingrown toenails, and broken bones.
8. Corns or Calluses
Corns and calluses are some of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist. These areas of built up skin are painful, like walking on a pebble. Often, your doctor will reduce their size using a surgical blade. A podiatrist may recommend properly fitted shoes as well as padding and skin softener to prevent corns and calluses.
9. Painful Bunion
A bunion is a bump at the base of the big toe. This condition occurs when the bones or joints of the big toe have shifted and now they are out of place. Bunions tend to get worse unless they are treated. A podiatrist can suggest treatments, such as padding, taping or medication. Surgery is also an option in severe cases.
10. Itching in the Foot that will not go Away
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can make the skin on the bottom of your feet scaly, and between your toes look raw and feel itchy. Over-the-counter antifungal cream may help. If the infection does not seem to improve after a couple of weeks, visit a podiatrist. Oral antifungals and cream-based prescription medicines are more effective.
Podiatrists also diagnose and treat many other foot and ankle conditions. Not many people consider going to a podiatrist until they have a serious foot or ankle condition. While many people typically overlook their feet, podiatric care has proven to play a key role in prevention and management of chronic disease, increasing mobility and improving quality of life.
If you have foot problems that persist or worsen, seek professional help. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat foot conditions and provide advice on proper foot care. Contact the Premier Medical Group Podiatry care team today to schedule an appointment at1-888-632-6099.
FAQs
Podiatrists can diagnose and treat any issues that affect your feet, ankles and lower legs — including performing surgery. You might visit a podiatrist for a short-term issue, or they might be part of your care team that supports you while you manage a chronic condition.
Why would you need a podiatrist? ›
Podiatrists can diagnose and treat any issues that affect your feet, ankles and lower legs — including performing surgery. You might visit a podiatrist for a short-term issue, or they might be part of your care team that supports you while you manage a chronic condition.
What is podiatry good for? ›
Podiatrists are doctors who treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower limbs — including injuries, pain and balance issues. Your podiatrist may give you specific exercises, custom-made inserts for your shoes or medicines for your condition.
What is the goal of a podiatrist? ›
What does a podiatrist do? Podiatrists specialise in foot, ankle and leg healthcare. They improve people's mobility, independence and quality of life for their patients.
What questions should I ask a podiatrist? ›
SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PODIATRIST
- Why Do I Have Foot Numbness? ...
- Why Do I Have Cold Feet? ...
- Why Do I Have Itchy, Flaky Skin on My Feet? ...
- Why Do I Have Heel Pain? ...
- Why Do I Have Discolored Nails? ...
- Why Do I Have a Painful Big Toe? ...
- Why Do I Have a Hammer Toe?
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.
Why should I choose podiatry? ›
Work-life balance
A podiatrist is a medical profession that can offer a good work-life balance, particularly in comparison to other types of doctors. Many podiatrists work flexible hours and rarely need to perform extra shifts, which can give you the opportunity to take trips, spend time with family or pursue hobbies.
What is the main role of a podiatrist? ›
Under general direction, Podiatrists examine the feet of patients and the muscles and tendons of the leg governing the functions of the foot; give instructions in the proper care of the feet; diagnose and treat foot ailments; and perform other related podiatric duties as required.
What is the aim of a podiatrist? ›
Podiatrists, are specialists in treating problems in the feet and lower limbs. A primary aim of podiatry is to improve the mobility, independence, and quality of life for their patients. Podiatrists provide preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of problems affecting the feet and lower limb.
What are the benefits of podiatry to patient care? ›
Podiatrists can help people with various foot problems, such as bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot ulcers. Podiatrists can also perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and fit orthotics and prosthetics.
Important Qualities
- Communication skills. Podiatrists must be able to listen and convey information to patients, such as about the diagnosis and ways to improve their condition.
- Compassion. ...
- Critical-thinking skills. ...
- Detail oriented. ...
- Interpersonal skills.
It's crucial to have your feet examined by your podiatrist at least once per year. If you experienced a loss of sensation in your feet or you suffered from foot ulcers in the past, you should see your podiatrist every three to six months.
Why is podiatry interesting? ›
Podiatry may not seem very interesting – until you start having problems with your feet. Podiatry is the medical specialty that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
What a podiatrist will commonly treat? ›
Some of the medical conditions podiatrists treat include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot complications from diabetes, ankle and foot arthritis, nerve problems, tendonitis, hammertoes, flat feet, nail disorders, bunions, warts, fungus, fractures, and sprains.
How can a podiatrist help? ›
Podiatrists may also: Diagnose foot problems like skin and nail diseases, congenital (at-birth) deformities, tumors, and ulcers. Treat conditions like corns, arch problems, heel spurs, shortened tendons, bone disorders, and cysts. Make flexible casts to hold foot and ankle injuries like sprains or fractures steady.
Why would someone see a podiatrist? ›
If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc. —a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.
What will a podiatrist commonly treat? ›
Some of the medical conditions podiatrists treat include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot complications from diabetes, ankle and foot arthritis, nerve problems, tendonitis, hammertoes, flat feet, nail disorders, bunions, warts, fungus, fractures, and sprains.
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.
Do podiatrists 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.
How does a podiatrist diagnose? ›
An X-ray can help your podiatrist identify problems involving your bone or joints. However, if an in-depth evaluation of the inner structures in your feet is required, your podiatrist may recommend an MRI scan.
