As the temperature continues to climb, it’s possible that our feet and ankles are not yet prepared for sandal season. Because they are unsure of which medical facility to visit, a lot of individuals put off going to the doctor when they have problems with their feet or ankles. Some people believe that constant foot discomfort is to be expected. Foot discomfort that lasts for days on end is not typical.
Visit a podiatry specialist if you have concerns with your feet or ankles, such as an injury sustained while playing sports, arthritis, skin diseases, or any other ailment. The majority of foot and ankle conditions may be treated by a podiatrist. Both are open to consideration.
Please make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the aforementioned challenges or symptoms.
- You have pain, tingling, or swelling in one of your feet. Aching or swollen feet are common (for example, after running a 10k or standing all day), swelling, or numbness in one foot for no apparent reason may indicate a serious problem and requires a visit to the doctor. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a medical professional.
- Nail fungus: Nail infections that go untreated can cause the nail to become thick and discolored, and they can spread to the toenails that are adjacent to the infected nail.
- Painful heels: Pain in the heel might be caused by medical issues. To diagnose the underlying problem and devise a treatment strategy, a podiatrist will conduct an examination and maybe take x-rays.
- You have a sneaking suspicion that you may have sprained or broken your foot or ankle. If you hurt your foot or ankle, you should see a podiatrist right once. Podiatrists are trained to address issues relating to the foot and ankle more effectively.
- Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that can be treated with lotions and sprays that are available without a prescription. If the athlete’s foot continues coming back, a podiatrist may recommend a stronger cream or an oral prescription, and they may also check for an infection.
6.Are you diabetic? Both types 1 and 2 of diabetes are associated with an increased risk of foot problems, including impaired circulation, nerve damage, ulcers, and infections. If you have diabetes, you should visit a podiatrist once a year to prevent problems such as these.
- A toenail that is impacted: If you have a severe ingrown toenail, you might be tempted to remove it yourself or have it done at a nail salon. Having a trained medical professional perform the removal is not only more secure but also less painful. Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat nail diseases and then anesthetize the affected area before removing infected nails.
- Bunions: The bony bump that forms on the joint of the big toe can become quite bothersome as a bunion progresses through its stages of development. The severity of the bunion will be evaluated by the podiatrist to determine the most appropriate therapy, which may include taking an x-ray.
- Corns and calluses, can be rather painful: These common concerns, which are the result of areas of the skin that have become thicker owing to the buildup of dead skin, can become painful if the skin grows too thick. The thicker the skin, the more likely it is that you will experience these troubles. To alleviate pain, a podiatrist could recommend a topical treatment, or they might remove corns and calluses.
- Discomfort in the foot or ankle: If the pain does not go away after using over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen for an extended period, you should make an appointment with a medical professional so that the root cause of the problem may be identified and addressed. You and your medical professional can devise a treatment strategy for the long term together.