How do you know when you should visit a podiatrist and when to go to your primary care doctor? Many times if you’re experiencing foot problems, you should consult with your primary care doctor first so they can refer you to a podiatrist within your insurance network. A podiatrist is a foot and ankle doctor who specializes in remedying all issues related to foot and ankle health.
The foot and ankle are the most overlooked parts of our bodies. While it’s easy to take for granted, our feet have a lot of responsibility when it comes to moving, walking, and supporting our body weight. Not only do they need to be in good health so that we can walk without pain but they also play an important role in how well we balance ourselves while standing or sitting down. While there is no cure-all solution for all foot problems, making an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as you notice any signs of trouble will help prevent a trip to the hospital or worse!
If you notice any of these signs, it’s always better to get treatment before small problems become big ones. Your podiatrist can help you identify the cause of your foot pain and treat it accordingly.
The most common causes of foot pain are injury or trauma (such as stubbing your toe), arthritis, diabetes, gout, bunions, and heel spurs. If you have any of these conditions or simply don’t feel like something is right on your feet—schedule an appointment with Valley Foot and Ankle Center today!
Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body. They can be affected by many different health conditions, including diabetes and gout. If you want to keep your feet healthy, make sure that you check them regularly for signs of injury or illness.
Your foot or ankle hurts a lot.
If your foot or ankle hurts a lot, it’s probably time to talk to your podiatrist. Foot pain is a common complaint for many people and can be caused by anything from blisters or corns to calluses and even ingrown toenails. When you visit our office, we’ll review your symptoms and conduct an examination that may include x-rays or other imaging studies.
If you have foot or ankle pain, visit our office for a thorough evaluation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and conduct an examination that may include x-rays or other imaging studies. We will then determine if further testing is necessary to diagnose your problem accurately.
Our podiatrists will evaluate your foot and ankle, paying special attention to the following areas:
– Pain in the heel or ball of your foot
– Pain while walking or running
– Numbness or tingling in your toes
Your foot or ankle has changed shape significantly.
If you have noticed a change in the shape of your foot or ankle, it is time to make an appointment with your podiatrist. Changes in the shape of the foot can be a sign of an underlying problem that can be treated by a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to tell you what is causing this change in your body and will also be able to treat it.
Our team of professionals can diagnose the problem and treat it so that you can get back to life as usual. As mentioned before the most common foot problems that people experience are plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and heel pain. The symptoms of these conditions can be hard to ignore and often lead to changes in your walking or running gait. Your foot could be broken, which is a very serious condition that needs immediate treatment by a podiatrist.
Don’t ignore these signs as they might be the difference between a healthier and more happier life and a painful and uncomfortable one.
Your general health is at risk.
If you’re constantly feeling sick and can’t find the cause of it then chances are your foot health is the root of the problem. If you are experiencing any of the following, it is important to get a podiatrist’s advice:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Osteoporosis
Foot health has been linked to overall body health for years. Many times the cause of your health issues is how you walk, run, and sometimes even the shoes you wear. If you want to live a long, healthy life then make sure you take care of your feet. If you’re feeling pain or discomfort in them then make an appointment with a podiatrist today so that they can help diagnose the problem and treat it so that you can get back to life as usual.
You’re experiencing some strange symptoms.
Sometimes our body is trying to tell us something is wrong. We just have to learn to understand it. Many times your feet will show you signs of discomfort and issues days before something serious starts to develop. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to make an appointment with your podiatrist:
- You have a fever
- You have swelling in your foot or ankle
- Your foot or ankle is warm to the touch (hotter than 90 degrees)
- You have a rash on your foot or ankle that’s scaly and red, like eczema or psoriasis (inflamed skin)
- Redness around the rim of your nail bed (the area where your nail grows from), which can indicate inflammation
Often the symptoms listed above are symptoms of serious foot or ankle issues. Leaving the symptoms without a professional check-up up will aid in the decline of your foot health. The best course of action when experiencing these symptoms is to call your podiatrist immediately. He or she will be able to help you find the best treatment option for your needs before a more serious problem develops and surgery is required. For more information, visit our website or call us to schedule your consultation with our team of professionals.