When should I see a podiatrist?
Are you suffering from foot problems? Do you have an injury or pain in any part of your foot? If so, you need to see a podiatrist. In today’s blog post, we will explore the concept of a podiatrist and when you should schedule a visit to a podiatrist.
What is a podiatrist?
Simply put, a podiatrist is a professional who has the training to treat any foot-related health issues. You will find the acronym DPM or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine after their name. They treat all problems related to the foot, ankle as well as other parts of the leg.
When should you see a podiatrist?
You should visit a podiatrist if you are having any issues involving your ankle or foot. Here’s a list of some of the symptoms where you should make an appointment with an experienced podiatrist.
1). Diabetic patients — People suffering from diabetes often have foot problems due to poor circulation. Since diabetics have reduced pain perception, they are typically not as aware of their foot problems compared to non-diabetics. This is why diabetic patients should regularly visit a podiatrist to check their foot health.
2). Nail infection — Nail salons have grown in popularity over the past decade and interestingly, it has also led to a sustained increase in nail infections. This infection can be easily treated but many people ignore it until it is too late. If you suspect nail fungus or other kinds of infection, you should immediately visit a podiatrist to get it checked and treated.
3). Pain or numbness in a foot — It is completely natural to get swollen or sore feet after running a long race or if you work at a place where you need to stand on your feet for long hours. However, you should not ignore sudden numbness or pain in one of your feet for no reason. It points to a serious problem and you should immediately make an appointment with a podiatrist.
4). Heel pain — If you are experiencing heel pain continuously, it is time for you to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. The pain could be due to a variety of reasons. Podiatrists typically perform a physical exam and use x-rays as well as other tools to determine its cause and provide a treatment plan.
5). Suspected broken foot or ankle — If you fear that you have broken or sprained your foot or ankle, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist instead of visiting an orthopaedist. Podiatrists have specific training in treating foot and ankle-related injuries.
6). Ingrown toenails — This is a common problem. Many people try to get help at the local nail salon or try to do it on their own but visiting a podiatrist will be safer and less stressful. A podiatrist will not only remove the ingrown part of the toenail but will also check for infection and provide necessary treatment.
7). Bunion — This usually manifests itself as a bump on the outside of the big toe joint and as it keeps getting bigger, it keeps getting more painful. A podiatrist will use x-rays and other tools to recommend the right plan of treatment depending on the severity of the condition.
8). Joint ankle or foot pain — Many people tend to take painkillers when they experience pain in the foot or ankle joint but it is important for you to visit a podiatrist to determine the root cause of persistent pain.
Final Thoughts
Most people have a habit of ignoring their feet without realising how a seemingly small problem can quickly snowball into a serious health concern. If you are experiencing foot pain or nail fungus or consistent pain in any part of your foot or ankle, it is time for you to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Podiatrists have the necessary training, experience, and tools to determine the root cause of the problem and recommended a long-term treatment plan.
Upwell Health Collective is committed to providing the best care to our patients. Our team of Podiatrists, Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, and Pilates Practitioners will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you.
Please get in touch with us on (03) 8849 9096 or book an appointment today.