We’re on our feet every day. They take us to work, to the gym, to the grocery store, and more. Yet despite them being a crucial form of transportation, we often neglect them. Even when we experience pain in our lower limbs, we seldom speak to a specialist to try and rectify the problem. This is something we all need to learn to change. Looking after our feet can prevent and solve various medical conditions, from balance issues to excess dry skin, bunions, and fungal infections.
This is crucial when sourcing your local podiatrist, especially if you’re experiencing pain in your feet or ankles. This could be anything from tingling, a fracture that hasn’t healed properly, tendinitis, or nerve damage. More often than not, these conditions are easily treatable. If left untreated, however, they can be detrimental to your well-being.
Podiatrists, in a nutshell, are foot doctors. They specialize in treating various conditions affecting your feet, ankles, and lower limbs. They provide tailor-made solutions for a range of conditions. Another bonus? They often don’t necessitate a referral.
This guide lists the top reasons you should book an appointment with your local foot specialist. Read on to learn more.
1. Prevention is Better than Cure
As the age-old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Instead of waiting for that nagging pain in your foot or ankle to turn into something more serious, this is when you should be asking the question, ‘Where is a podiatrist near me?’. There are likely a handful of foot specialists in your area, all willing to help you with your lower limbs.
So, what does a podiatrist do? They will assess any foot problems you may be experiencing and come up with a treatment plan. This could be anything from correcting balance and latent issues to giving you the down low on orthotics and the correct footwear. Before all your problems start to cause pain elsewhere in your body.
2. Determine Other Issues
If you’re experiencing pain in your feet or ankles, it’s time to seek expert advice. It could be an underlying issue, a quick fix, or something more serious. The important thing is to get the right advice as soon as possible. The fix may be as simple as switching shoes.
These issues may include:
- Pain in your feet and ankle joints
- Swollen or red feet
- Feet and ankles that are stiff or tender to touch
- Numbness accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation
- Consistent lower back pain
- Arthritis
All of the above can cause joint pain and stiffness. When you visit your local podiatrist, they will complete a thorough foot analysis, helping you fix any existing issues and make your daily life relatively pain-free.
3. You Suffer from Flat Feet
Flat feet or over pronunciation is a common foot problem today. If you suffer from this issue, you may be experiencing pain in your hips, heels, knees, back, and neck! This condition puts abnormal pressure on your body, which results in these aches and pains.
In some scenarios, you can outgrow flat feet. In others, it leads to plantar fasciitis, bunions, and knee pain. By visiting your local podiatrist, they can suggest orthotics, which will help ease pain by correcting the position of your foot.
A podiatrist will create orthotics bespoke to you, your specific issue, and your lifestyle.
4. Diabetic Feet
Another common ailment that can cause foot issues is diabetes. If you suffer from this, you’ll experience less blood flow to your extremities. A simple blister for a diabetic can turn into something more serious, take longer to heal, and, in the worst case, cause infection.
If you suffer from this condition, book a routine yearly examination with your local podiatrist. Research suggests that routine examinations lessen the likelihood of amputation in people suffering from diabetes by more than 50 percent.
5. Ingrown Nail
An ingrown nail is another condition that necessitates the help of a podiatrist. This is when your toenail grows into your skin. If left to its own devices, this can cause an infection. Instead of trying to treat this condition at home, as many do, a podiatrist can treat your toe safely without causing more pain or damaging your toenail or surrounding area.
6. Plantar Warts or Verrucas
Plantar warts are found on the soles of your feet. They’re caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV) and can prove painful if left untreated. A trip to your podiatrist may involve a treatment of salicylic acid or cryotherapy, a process that involves freezing the warts. A more contemporary treatment is Microwave Therapy, which includes provoking an immune response that helps your body fight off the virus. This treatment is clean, speedy, and convenient, as it necessitates zero anesthetic or bandages.
7. Corns or Calluses
Corns and calluses can become extremely painful if left untreated. Without treatment, this built-up skin can grow and become sore, making it hard to wear certain shoes or walk.
These are the kinds of issues that people often leave untreated. Yet, left for lengthy periods, corns and calluses can cause serious underlying problems. These include affecting the structure or gait of your foot. If it is severe, your podiatrist will likely issue cortisone injections to lessen the pain. Alternatively, they may use a surgical blade to remove the dead skin.
The Bottom Line
No matter how big or small the ailment, if you’re experiencing pain in your feet or ankles, booking an appointment with your nearest podiatrist is one way to get you back on your feet.
Whether you’re seeking advice or looking to address something more serious, a trained specialist can advise you on the correct course of treatment. This could be anything from issuing antibiotics to suggesting a pair of orthopedic shoes.
Ultimately, seek advice before the problem gets worse. Prevention is better than cure, and the pain you’re experiencing is likely an easy fix.
