Did you know that podiatrists are primary care physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and arches of the foot? Did you also know that because a podiatrist has advanced education in anatomy, physiology, pathology and more, they are able to offer specialized services such as biomechanics, wound care management, and diabetes management that other healthcare providers might not be able to provide? The following top 8 reasons to see a podiatrist for foot and ankle issues will explain why seeing one is so important. If you have chronic foot pain or another type of problem with your feet or ankles—or if you’ve been dealing with these issues for some time now—a podiatrist can help.
Reasons to See a Podiatrist
There are many reasons to see a podiatrist. The first reason is to confirm a diagnosis. If you’ve seen a medical doctor but no progress has been made, you should see a podiatrist. A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat foot and ankle issues such as chronic foot pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot ulcers, hammer toes, ingrown toenails, and more. A second reason to see a podiatrist is for foot care coordination. If you have diabetes, have had surgery, are pregnant or have a chronic foot problem, you should see a podiatrist. A podiatrist works directly with your medical doctor to ensure proper foot care and treatment.
Confirming A Diagnosis
Diagnosing a foot or ankle condition accurately is extremely important. Many conditions are easily missed and left undiagnosed, meaning that they are allowed to progress further and cause more serious problems. With a podiatrist, you can rest assured that your condition is being diagnosed correctly. You can also be confident that your podiatrist will provide you with the treatment necessary to alleviate your foot pain and allow you to resume your normal activities. The sooner a condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat it. Waiting too long or ignoring foot pain can lead to more serious issues.
Foot Care Coordination
Diabetics are at a higher risk of foot issues, as well as pregnant women. If you fit into either of these categories, you’re likely to require more frequent foot care. A podiatrist can help you coordinate care with your medical doctor and recommend a treatment plan that fits in with your lifestyle. Chronic foot conditions and injuries often require a special type of foot care to prevent further damage. A podiatrist can help you coordinate your care and keep your feet healthy.
Custom Foot Orthotics For Pain Management
If you suffer from chronic foot pain, custom made foot orthotics can be a great treatment option. They are designed specifically to fit your feet and can help to distribute pressure evenly, reducing pain and discomfort. If you’re experiencing foot pain, a podiatrist can create custom foot orthotics for you. Foot orthotics are effective for managing foot pain in many different situations. They can be used to treat many common foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, knee pain, and more.
Prescription Shoe Or Ankle Brace
Foot pain can often be treated by removing the source of irritation. This could be excess pressure or a misalignment of your foot. A podiatrist will be able to identify the cause of your pain and recommend a treatment method. In some cases, a prescription shoe or an ankle brace are appropriate alternatives. If you have pain in the ball of your foot or the top of your heel, a wedge in the shoe can help. If you have pain in the sides of your foot, a heel spur may be the cause.
Wound Care Management
Minor cuts and scrapes can be painful and annoying, but they are expected to heal. However, if you have diabetes, you may experience wounds that do not heal and become infected. Diabetics are more likely to develop foot ulcers and wounds that do not heal. A podiatrist can help manage the condition and prevent it from worsening. Depending on the severity of the wound, treatment might consist of daily dressing changes. If the wound has become infected, your podiatrist might prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove dead or infected tissue from the wound.
Tendonitis Stretching Exercises And Treatment
A common foot condition is tendonitis. It can happen in the foot, ankle, or along the arch of your foot. The pain that comes with tendonitis can make walking difficult. Toes, which are part of the foot, are responsible for the movement of your legs. If the tendon at the base of your big toe is inflamed, you may experience pain on the top of your foot. If the tendon behind your first two toes is inflamed, you may experience pain in the ball of your foot. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause of your pain and recommend treatment. They can also recommend exercises to help improve mobility and prevent future injuries.
Diabetes Foot Care Management Program
People with diabetes are at a greater risk of foot issues. The risk of developing infections, ulcers, and amputations is also increased. A podiatrist can help manage foot care for people with diabetes. Some of the services that a podiatrist can provide for people with diabetes include foot and nail care, blood glucose testing, and medication consultation. Using the services of a podiatrist is especially important for people with diabetes who have neuropathy and may not feel infections or other disorders in their foot.
Conclusion
If you have chronic foot pain or another type of problem with your feet or ankles—or if you’ve been dealing with these issues for some time now—a podiatrist can help. A podiatrist is a type of physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and arches of the foot. If you visit a podiatrist, you can expect the doctor to confirm a diagnosis, provide treatment, and coordinate your care with your medical doctor. In most cases, a podiatrist can treat your condition. All you have to do is make an appointment for an evaluation and treatment.
