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When Is It Time To See A Podiatrist?

When Is It Time To See A Podiatrist?

 

When Is It Time To See A Podiatrist?

Problems with your feet or ankles could come about due to medical conditions like diabetes or arthritis. However, there could also be an everyday situation such as poorly fitted shoes or overuse that come into play when you have acute pain. The best thing to do is to take the time to make an appointment with a podiatrist in your area so that you can get some answers.

With a professional podiatrist, you will have all of the information and care that you are looking for to address a wide range of problems addressing your lower leg, ankle, and foot. These skilled professionals have the ability to not only diagnose and treat the issues you may be having but also perform surgery on certain conditions that require such intervention so that you can get back on your feet.

These are some of the reasons why you may want to seek the guidance of a podiatrist in Mill Creek or the surrounding areas:

Regular Running Routine

If you are planning on starting a running routine, you should know that runners are prone to various aches and pains as well as a condition known as shin splints. Working with a podiatrist, you can have an assessment of your body and feet to try and flag potential issues before they become worse. You could also get recommendations for the best kind of running shoes for your feet.

 

Noticeable Joint Pain

Do you have joint pain in your feet or ankles? If so, then you may be dealing with arthritis that presents itself with swelling, stiffness, or redness in the ankle and foot area. Arthritis may change the manner in which your feet function or lead to disability if not treated properly. Your podiatrist can talk with you about ways to preserve your joints and make it easier for you to enjoy regular activities.

Diabetes

A person with diabetes can be prone to a broad array of foot issues that range from something as simple as dry skin to more serious concerns like an infection. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should have a podiatrist perform a foot exam on a regular schedule to ensure optimum foot health.

Pain That Limits Activities

There can be plenty of causes of heel pain, but if you are noticing that foot issues have been keeping you from enjoying your life, you need to seek the help of a professional. Your podiatrist can take x-rays and perform a thorough exam to help pinpoint the issue and give you a proper diagnosis to get you on a treatment plan.

Ingrown Toenails

Anyone who has ingrown toenails knows how painful and uncomfortable they can be. If you are having a flare-up, your ingrown toenail can be red, sore, and have drainage, so visiting a podiatrist will help you get the best possible treatment. Such treatment may include medication to treat infection or removal or a portion of the impacted toenail.

Sprains, Strains, or Broken Bones

A podiatrist is the professional you want to see if you have a potential sprain, strain, or broken bones in your ankle or foot. They can take a look at and diagnose the injury, then suggest the best treatment.

 

Corns and Calluses

A corn or callus is a common foot issue that people visit a podiatrist to get help. These are areas on the foot where the skin builds up and they can become painful once they get too thick. Your podiatrist may recommend that you have cortisone injections to help with pain reduction or you may need to have the actual corn or callus reduced with a surgical blade.

Painful Bunions

A bunion is a bump that can form at the base of the big toe, which usually happens if the joint or bone in the big toe ends up out of place. If you have a bunion that becomes painful, your podiatrist may suggest treatments like taping, medication, or padding. In more severe cases, you may need surgical intervention to treat it.

Persistent Athlete’s Foot

Many people will try to treat Athlete’s Foot with creams, powders or sprays that you can get at your local drug store. However, if the discomfort, itching, and scaling skin do not seem to go away after a couple of weeks, you will need to see a podiatrist. There are various oral or cream-based medications that you can get a prescription for that can help with the condition.

Foot Surgery

While surgical intervention is often the last resort when dealing with a severe foot condition, there are times when it becomes necessary. if you do require surgery, a podiatrist can make sure that you get the best possible care. Surgery at your podiatrist’s office may include help with bunions, ingrown toenails that are recurring, or broken bones.

Is it time for you to see a podiatrist? Call Dr. Hall at (425) 482-6663 today at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic!