Most of the time people avoid going to the doctor when it comes to problem associated with their feet or ankles. They drag around despite the fact that they could be in acute pain. Sometimes it is simply lack of knowing who they should be visiting in order to take care of the foot problems. Many even considered there foot problems as being completely normal or something which happens on an everyday basis. However visiting a podiatrist has its own set of advantages. They not only help manage any problems that you have but can also diagnose the foot problem and then suggest the right treatment.
When you should visit a podiatrist?
- If you have been feeling numbness, pain or swelling in one or both of your feet for no apparent reason, you should definitely consider visiting a podiatrist. They would have a look at your feet and try to diagnose the problem. Once diagnosed they would then set about with the specific treatment plan which would help resolve the issue. Open pain which cannot be attributed to anything needs to be taken seriously. So make sure that you visit your podiatrist if you have an inexplicable pain in any part of your legs.
- Fungal infections of the toenails are definitely not something you are proud of. Instead of trying to hide your feet in closed shoes or applying a layer of nail polish over, it is best to confront the issue. If the infection is left untreated it can cause the nails to become thick and discolored. Plus there is also a risk of the infection setting in the other toenails.
- If you suffer from continuous heel pain it can be attributed to a number of problems. Your podiatrist would carry out an examination and also take the X-rays of the area around the heel so that they can determine the root cause of the pain. Knowing the cause would allow them to treat you the right way so that you can get rid of the pain.
- If you have sprained or strained your ankle or foot your first instinct would be to visit an orthopedist. However it is better to visit a podiatrist in this case because the generally have more experience in dealing with foot related issues.
- If you suffer from frequent fungal infections like athlete’s foot treating it with over the counter creams is not feasible in the long run. However a podiatrist would suggest the right kind of oral medications of dreams which can help get rid of the fractions on a permanent basis.
- Those who suffer from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes are more at risk of foot problems often due to nerve damage and poor circulation. It is suggested that at least yearly examination should be carried out so as to rule out infections or potentially dangerous foot problems.
It is important that you consider the health of your feet and should always visit a podiatrist whenever you find signs and symptoms of the above mentioned problems.