How Often Should You Visit A Podiatrist And Why?
Thinking about when should you see a feet doctor? Here is a list of signs which should be your reminder to visit a podiatrist immediately!
As April brings us warm weather, our ankles and feet are beginning to come out of the socks into the fresh air, but they may not be prepared for sandal season.
Many individuals put off visiting a doctor because they are unclear about where to go for help when it comes to foot and ankle disorders.
Alternatively, many assume that constant pain in their feet is a natural part of life. Never ignore the possibility that your persistent foot discomfort is a sign of anything more serious.
This blog will tell you how often you should visit a podiatrist and why. So, let’s begin.
What Is A Podiatrist?
Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet and ankles.
A wide range of ailments may be diagnosed with their help, including but not limited to:
- Injuries to the foot and ankle;
- Psoriatic arthritis;
- Arthritis;
- Sprains and sprains;
- Warts, cracked skin, blisters, and rashes;
- Toe abnormalities including hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe;
- Flat foot;
- Ingrown toenails;
- Toenail or foot fungus;
- Heel spurs and discomfort in the heels;
- There is a lot of discomfort in the arches and calves of the feet;
- A disorder of the skin or nails;
- Itchy, flaky, or peeling skin;
- Inflammation of a foot muscle or ligament;
- The smell of sweaty shoes;
- Nails that have become thicker or discolored.
Additionally, podiatrists are trained to treat a wide range of foot ailments, including those caused by obesity, diabetes, and poor blood circulation.
How Often Should You Visit A Podiatrist?
Podiatrists recommend that even those with healthy feet see one once a year. The doctor can see possible problems and provide you with advice on keeping your feet healthy in the long run.
It is recommended that patients with foot or ankle issues, including a record of foot ulcers, contact their podiatrist more often.
It’s important to see a podiatrist after short intervals or as soon as you notice any symptoms to ensure that any problems are detected and addressed swiftly.
Visits to a podiatrist for routine foot inspections are beneficial even if you believe your feet are in good condition.
Untreated or repaired foot issues affect many individuals for years without being detected.
Everyone, especially athletes and those at risk for foot disorders, may benefit from learning about and practicing proper foot care.
It may help keep feet healthy by preventing the onset of new or worsened disorders.
Symptoms You Should Not Ignore And Visit A Podiatrist
There are several reasons to see a doctor for a foot or ankle injury, such as correct treatment and prevention of subsequent problems.
It is possible to develop persistent ankle discomfort and instability when a damaged ankle does not heal correctly.
There are times when, even if you aren’t due for a visit, you should consult a podiatrist to ensure everything is fine.
See a podiatrist as soon as you start having the following issues or symptoms:
1. Loss Of Sensation, Discomfort, Or Edema In One Or Both Feet
There are times when one foot hurts more than the other, and it’s best to have it checked out rather than wait for it to get better on its own (like after an intense 10k race).
2. Nail Infection
The frequency of toenail fungus infections has risen dramatically as the popularity of nail salons has grown.
You run the danger of the infection spreading to other toenails if you don’t treat it immediately.
3. Recurring Heel Discomfort
There are several reasons why you could be experiencing heel discomfort. X-rays and an examination by a podiatrist will be used to pinpoint the source of the problem and create a treatment plan for it.
4. You Fear You’ve Twisted Or Fractured Your Foot Or Ankle
A podiatrist has greater expertise in dealing with foot and ankle ailments than an orthopedist.
5. Recurring Problem Of Athlete’s Foot
Over-the-counter lotions and sprays are often used to treat this common fungus infection.
A podiatrist may prescribe a more efficient cream or oral treatment if the athlete’s foot continues to recur and check for probable infection.
6. You Are Diabetic
Diabetes patients, whether they have Type 1 or Type 2, are more likely to have circulation issues, nerve damage, ulcers, and infections in their feet.
They should consult a podiatrist every year to keep their feet healthy and avoid potentially hazardous complications.
7. The Pain And Discomfort Of An Ingrown Toenail
If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing you discomfort, you may be eager to remove it yourself or seek assistance from a nail salon. But going to the doctor’s office is the better option since it is safer and less unpleasant.
An infected nail may be treated with medicines and numbing cream by a podiatrist.
8. Bunions
It is a small bump that grows on the outer side of your big toe. As the bunion grows in size, it may become more and more uncomfortable to stand or walk on the affected foot.
You may get a diagnosis from an x-ray and a recommendation for therapy from a podiatrist.
9. Painful Blisters And Corns
These typical issues may become uncomfortable if the skin gets excessively thick due to thicker regions of dead skin.
Hardened skin may be removed or treated with a topical treatment by an experienced podiatrist.
10. Pressure In The Lower Leg Or Foot
It’s crucial to consult a podiatrist even if the discomfort in your leg or foot is readily addressed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Especially if the discomfort in your foot or ankle continues, you and the doctor can develop a long-term treatment strategy together.
Conclusion
A podiatrist is a doctor of medicine who focuses on the health and wellbeing of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist is a specialist in foot and ankle care and can treat various conditions in the lower limbs.
Visiting a podiatrist clinic in Brisbane or wherever you live is the smartest choice if you face any ankle or foot issues — a sports injury, arthritis or joint discomfort, skin concerns, etc.
Your feet need extra care and attention when something feels wrong, or they may directly impact your general health and cause more significant issues.
If you are experiencing any problems with your feet or ankles, talk to a primary physician for a recommendation to a podiatrist.
