What To Know Before Visiting a Foot Doctor
A podiatrist diagnoses and treats issues related to the feet, ankles, and toes. They provide comprehensive foot care, which helps individuals walk comfortably and avoid problems such as ingrown toenails and bunions. Here are several things to know before visiting a foot doctor:
Clarify Your Reason for Visiting
Whether you are planning your regular preventative foot appointment or are experiencing discomfort in your feet and ankles, being aware of your goals and needs helps streamline your appointment. Many conditions are related to the feet, ankles, and toes, including ingrown toenails and bunions. Ingrown toenails cause symptoms like redness and swelling around the edges of your nails. If you have flat feet, you may experience pain in your arches, aches after prolonged standing, and swelling. Bunions create bumps along the length of your foot near the big toe. Other symptoms you may experience include infections, restricted movement, dry skin, loss of sensation, or sharp pain. Identifying and writing down your symptoms ahead of time can help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.
Bring Your Medical Information
When visiting your podiatrist, bring your complete medical history. This includes any past surgeries or conditions you are currently managing. Let your podiatrist know if you have a history of diabetes, as this may lead to issues like neuropathy or foot ulcers. It’s key for the doctor to understand your current health conditions so they can quickly treat minor foot problems before they escalate.
If you are experiencing arthritis in your feet, be sure to mention this to your doctor. They can offer solutions like physical therapy, compression garments, or orthotics to help manage pain. A comprehensive medical history allows your doctor to identify repeat injuries or medications that may be influencing your foot health.
Wear Your Everyday Shoes
Wearing your everyday shoes to your foot appointment allows the podiatrist to verify that they are providing the necessary support. Certain footwear types that compress the toes may lead to swelling, discomfort, and blisters. If one shoe is more worn than the other, you could be compensating for weakness in one foot. The doctor may recommend footwear alternatives or customized orthotics. Shoe inserts offer comfort and stability for individuals with lower back pain, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions.
Prepare for a Physical Examination and Imaging
During your appointment, the doctor may examine your feet and ankles. They can evaluate your gait to determine if you are walking normally or if you have alignment issues. They also check your range of motion to see if you have any stiffness or limitations when moving your joints. Note any sharp pain or discomfort during the evaluation process, as this will help the doctor develop a tailored treatment plan for the soreness. A physical analysis is necessary to diagnose certain foot conditions, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs.
If the podiatrist is unable to diagnose the issue or requires further examination, they may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs. This provides a clearer picture of the bones and soft tissues in your feet and ankles. An MRI enables doctors to identify fractures, arthritis, and infections. These images help the doctor determine if you need physical therapy or surgical interventions.
Expect Preventive Advice and Ask Questions
A key part of your foot health is prevention. Your doctor may recommend preventative measures for certain foot conditions, such as diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathy. Due to diabetic neuropathy, some individuals struggle to feel sensation in their feet. This can lead to poor circulation, ulcers, and sores.
Preventative measures you can take include checking your feet daily for blisters or red spots. Dry your feet after showering or getting them wet to prevent fungal infections. Moisturizing your heels regularly helps keep the skin soft and stops them from cracking. If you are at risk of developing certain foot conditions, your doctor can provide guidance on how to recognize early warning signs and modify your habits to prevent complications.
Before your appointment, write down any concerns or questions you have about your feet and ankles. You can also ask the podiatrist questions during the visit when they discuss your condition and treatment options. Information on your recovery time or preventative care helps keep you informed and allows you to make better decisions for your foot health. The podiatrist may also allow you to choose between surgical and non-surgical treatment options based on factors like recovery time and long-term outcomes.
Meet With a Podiatrist Today
Foot and ankle specialists will identify and treat various issues, including corns and calluses, Achilles tendonitis, diabetic neuropathy, and more. The team at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute offers solutions ranging from the use of orthotics and physical therapy to surgical options. Get help for foot-related pain today and reach out to our team to schedule an appointment.