What To Expect When You See A Podiatrist
Are you experiencing a sudden foot or ankle injury? Or have you been struggling with persistent pain in your feet? If so, it may be the right time to schedule a podiatry appointment.
For your first appointment with a podiatrist, there are a couple of things you should know to help prepare you for the experience. In today’s blog article, we’ll discuss what you can expect when seeing a podiatrist for the first time. Keep reading to learn more!
1). Medical History
On arrival for your first podiatrist appointment, you will be asked to complete a form that will include your medical history. This form will include questions relating to your medical conditions, your current foot problem, any surgeries you may have had, and whether you are currently taking any medications.
2). Discuss Your Ankle Or Foot Problems
When meeting with your podiatrist, they will ask questions about the problem you are experiencing with your ankle or feet, and whether the problem is new or has been going on for a long time.
3). Physical Examination
From here, your podiatrist will conduct a physical examination. The podiatrist will examine your ankles and feet and look for any indications of problems such as corns, warts, bunions, fungus, and any other similar foot issues. The podiatrist will also examine your toenails for signs of brittleness or discolouration.
During the appointment, your lower legs will be checked to look for tell-tale signs of poor circulation. Your podiatrist will also ask you to walk to evaluate whether you have a gait problem.
4). Diagnostics
If your podiatrist believes that further tests are needed, they could order an imaging scan such as a bone scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or an ultrasound to check for blood vessel narrowing or blockages, or any structural problems. Your doctor might also order blood work to check for conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis) or any other condition that may be contributing to the pain or discomfort in your foot or feet. If the podiatrist thinks there is an infection present, they might collect samples for further lab testing.
5). Treatment
If issues are exacerbated due to your weight, your podiatrist will usually suggest that you exercise more and change your current diet to assist with alleviating your condition. Losing weight can assist with relieving excess pressure exerted on your ankles and feet.
Your podiatrist may also give you a script for medication to deal with your foot issue. For example, your podiatrist may prescribe an oral or topical antifungal medication or a treatment plan for neuropathy.
Your podiatrist can also recommend orthotics to assist with providing support when you have fallen arches. Your practitioner might also prescribe a boot when you have pronation or supination. This is a condition that occurs when most of your weight falls to one side of your foot when walking or standing.
All-Inclusive Foot And Ankle Care In Camberwell
If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, or you are experiencing pain in your ankles or feet, podiatry can help. Our experienced and skilled podiatrists here at Upwell Health Collective are experts when it comes to diagnosing and treating all types of foot or ankle problems. We are highly focused on finding ways to benefit your overall health and make sure to deliver care models that exceed the latest healthcare expectations.
Please get in touch with us at Upwell Health on (03) 8849 9096 or book an appointment today.