What to Expect When Visiting a Foot Doctor
A podiatrist is a foot doctor who diagnoses and treats a variety of conditions that affect your ability to walk and move your ankle. Some of these conditions include flat feet, heel pain, and bunions. We also offer in-office procedures to correct ingrown toenails. Here is some more information on what to expect during your visit:
Medical History
The first thing that our foot doctor will do is review your medical history to investigate the root cause of your symptoms. Diabetes is a common issue that affects your body’s circulation and can lead to complications like chronic swelling and infections. Previous injuries may also affect your mobility due to broken bones or corrective surgeries.
We will also need to know what your current prescriptions are to fully understand your overall health. Write down a list of your medications and the milligram amount, or bring the prescriptions with you to your appointment. This includes insulin, steroid topicals, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Physical Exam
The physical exam is when our doctor will look at your ankles and feet for signs of injury or illness. Swelling, toenail discoloration, and muscle weakness could be signs of an underlying health condition that is affecting your range of motion. Weakness in your toes could be a sign of flat foot syndrome, which is when the arches of your feet flatten with pressure. Common symptoms include pain in the heel or arch of your foot, swelling, and back pain.
During the exam, you may be asked to demonstrate your natural walk. Wear comfortable shoes that you wear regularly to your appointments, like tennis shoes. They should also be easy to get in and out of. These shoes help us to understand your specific condition by showing us what type of gait you have.
An improper gait could cause your pain, as you may be putting too much weight on the sides of your feet accidentally. Our doctor will help you adjust your steps to distribute your weight more evenly and minimize discomfort while walking.
Diagnostic Testing
We may conduct different tests to diagnose your condition, such as blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds. Blood tests help to diagnose ailments like diabetes or infections. X-rays and MRIs provide visual images of your feet and ankles to pinpoint bone and joint issues like arthritis. Ultrasounds help to see soft tissue damage or stress, such as tendonitis, bone spurs, or plantar fasciitis.
Other tests involve testing your reflexes and sensation capabilities. Our doctor will use a small tendon hammer to gently tap the Achilles tendon to see how your nervous system is functioning. Healthy patients will experience an involuntary twitch of the corresponding muscle group. Pinprick and monofilament testing check your ability to feel stimulation along each toe, including temperature changes.
Treatment Plan
There are a variety of treatment plans available depending on your specific condition, such as physical therapy, prescription medication, and cortisone injections. Ingrown toenails are corrected in the office with a quick procedure that removes the embedded portion of the nail. Infections like toenail fungus are a common sign of athlete’s foot and are treated topically with oral medication.
Neuropathy is a nerve condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in areas like the hands and feet. These symptoms could be caused by previous injuries like blunt force trauma or car accidents. Treatment plans for neuropathy include electrical nerve stimulation, physical therapy, and surgery.
Our practice also offers sports medicine treatment for those experiencing pain from repetitive motion routines. Common conditions we see include fractures, sprains, and tendon ruptures. Allow your body to rest by putting your feet up on a pillow and placing a cold compress on the affected area for fifteen minutes multiple times a day. Choose a shoe that offers arch support, breathability, and space for your toes to promote healing.
Contact a Foot Doctor for Better Foot Health
At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, we provide comprehensive care for those experiencing a variety of foot and ankle conditions. We offer in-office procedures to fix fungal infections, broken toes, bone spurs, and so much more. Treatment plans range from physical therapy to corrective surgery. Contact us today to schedule your appointment at one of our office locations.