When Should You See a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor who focuses on treating foot and ankle ailments. If you have specific medical issues, you may need to see a podiatrist for therapy that your primary doctor cannot offer. Don't overlook pain in your lower leg, foot, ankle, or toes. 

Consider the following before deciding to consult a foot doctor near me.  

Diabetics Need to See a Podiatrist Regularly
Detic foot issues are widespread as a result of poor circulation and numbness caused by diabetes's nerve damage. A diabetic may be less aware of foot problems due to diminished pain sensitivity. If you have diabetes, you should see a podiatrist once a year to examine your medical issues and assess how they are impacting your foot health.  

Diabetics commonly endure edema or numbness in their feet, diabetic foot discomfort, athlete's foot, and infections. Diabetes makes patients more likely to have fluid accumulation in their ankles or lower legs. A sore can occasionally progress to an ulcer, which can get infected with germs. When you have diabetes, there are several reasons to consult a podiatrist in addition to your primary care physician.   

Do Not Ignore Joint Pain and Arthritis in Your Feet
Arthritis is the swelling of your body's joints and is one of the most frequent foot problems. You should contact a podiatrist if you experience redness and swelling in your ankle or toe joints. This might be the result of a joint injury or arthritis. A podiatrist can cure joint discomfort and get you back on your feet, allowing you to live the active life you want. 

An Infection Might Cause Chronic Athlete's Foot 

If your athlete's foot has not improved after obtaining therapy from your regular doctor, you may need to see a podiatrist for medical guidance and a second opinion. A fungus usually causes athletes' foot, however, bacterial infections can resemble fungal symptoms. You may have a skin infection in your foot or toe that is causing irritation and pain. 

Ingrown Toenails Require Podiatric Care
An ingrown toenail can cause persistent discomfort and swelling that requires treatment. Ignoring a nail condition might potentially cause an infection. A podiatrist can prescribe drugs to aid with pain and inflammation in the toe and joint, and you may need to have a part of the nail removed to allow it to heal. 

There May Be a Way to Treat Your Heel Pain
If you're having severe pain in your heel, it might be due to a tendon injury, a bone spur, or arthritis. The first step is to visit a podiatrist for an exam and X-ray. Your podiatrist can advise you on how to treat the heel spur and whether special custom inserts, shockwave, or laser treatment may assist with the discomfort throughout your rehabilitation. 

Corns and Calluses Require Special Care
Calluses and corns are mostly caused by tough skin in a specific place. You will feel pain and discomfort when the corn or callus develops too thick. Some topical treatments may help, but if the problem persists despite your doctor's recommended medication, you may need minor surgery or local debridement. 

Bunions Will Not Go Away on Their Own
A bunion is a lumpy, hard protrusion that grows on the exterior of the big toe joint. As it grows, it becomes irritated and uncomfortable. Over time, this might impair your ability to engage in physical activities you like. A podiatrist can do a foot exam and other tests to evaluate the severity of the bunion and the best way to treat it. 

The bottom line
Many individuals put off foot care until it is too late, which is why you should consult a podiatrist about your foot problems. A board-certified podiatrist can help you feel better, whether you've experienced a sports injury, have an ingrown toenail, or need preventative treatment due to a health condition that makes you more susceptible to foot problems.