Nearly everybody has experienced foot pain at some point in their life. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of these individuals seek professional care. Leaving your foot discomfort untreated can greatly impact your life quality by restricting your activities like standing, walking, running, and more.
Do not suffer whilst there is help near you! Dr. Joseph Fleck Colorado Springs offers a wide range of medical care for issues affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Here are the common reasons why you should consider visiting a podiatrist.
- You Experience Joint Pain In Your Feet or Ankles
Joint pain in the feet or ankles is one of the main reasons to see a podiatrist. Joint pain often stems from arthritis, a prevalent condition affecting millions of Americans. Besides joint pain, common warning signs of joint arthritis include feet that are swollen, tender, stiff, or red.
If left untreated, arthritis can alter how your feet function, resulting in disability. Rather than dismissing the issue, see a podiatrist. Your doctor will suggest treatments that will allow you to preserve your joint health.
- You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is primarily known for affecting blood sugar. However, diabetes can make you significantly more susceptible to foot issues. These concerns range from dry skin and foot ulcers to serious complications like poor blood supply, neuropathy, and slow-healing wounds.
Therefore, if you have diabetes, you should undergo regular foot exams. Your podiatrist will examine your feet for these related foot conditions. If you have an issue, your foot doctor can provide relief and avoid the risk of complications like an amputation.
- You Have Flat Feet
Everybody is born with flat feet. Your foot arches should gradually form once you reach early childhood. Unfortunately, some people fail to outgrow their flat feet.
Flat feet mean that your arches do not develop entirely, or if they do, they collapse after a while. Being flat-footed could cause patients to experience discomfort when they run or walk. A podiatric can help you manage this condition by suggesting orthotics or special footwear.
- You Have a Nail Infection
Once a toenail develops into the skin, the ingrown nail could result in an infection. Ingrown toenails commonly affect the big toe. If an ingrown toenail causes discomfort, redness, swelling, or tenderness around the site, you should see a podiatrist for treatment.
Without treatments, this infection can spread. A podiatrist can help avoid infection from ingrown nails. If you already have an infection, your doctor can also provide treatment to avoid further pain and irritation.
- You Sustain A Foot Injury
Foot injuries are the most prevalent cause of sudden lower limb issues. Common foot injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and more. Unfortunately, injuries are unavoidable in numerous cases, such as during sporting activities or laborers overworking themselves.
You should see a podiatrist immediately if you sustain a foot injury. Your foot doctor will treat the impact of your injury. If necessary, your doctor will also provide recommendations on how to avoid future injuries, such as proper warm-up exercises, not overworking your legs, and more.
Foot and ankle issues can be due to chronic health issues like diabetes or arthritis. However, even everyday situations like ill-fitting shoes and overuse can result in foot problems. Whatever the cause of your foot issues, you should not hesitate to visit a podiatrist.
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle-related injuries and conditions. In most cases, your foot doctor can treat your condition with conservative techniques like medications, therapy, immobilization, and more. Nonetheless, your podiatrist can also perform surgery for more serious foot conditions.
