Examples of When to See the Foot Doctor
A podiatrist, also known as a foot doctor, is a specialist who specializes in diagnosing and treating feet and ankle conditions. With each foot having many bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, it's a good idea to go to a foot doctor for foot-related issues and concerns. You can learn more about some times you may want to go to the foot doctor in this article.
You Have Pain in Your Foot
If you are experiencing pain in your foot, then you should see a foot doctor. Even if you didn't knowingly injure your foot, there may still be an injury to it. For example, it's possible to develop a stress fracture in your foot just by increasing the amount you walk and stand on your feet suddenly.
Another painful condition is plantar fasciitis, and this can also occur without knowingly injuring your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is injured, inflamed, or irritated. The plantar fascia is a thin ligament that travels the length of the bottom of your foot. Pain that lasts longer than a few days indicates the possibility of an injury such as one of these and should be looked into and appropriately treated.
You Have an Ingrown Toenail
If you have an ingrown toenail that's causing you pain and/or is possibly infected, then you should go to the foot doctor. An ingrown toenail is a toenail that grows into the flesh of your toe. Anyone can end up with an ingrown toenail, but some things that can increase your chances of getting one include cutting the nails straight, wearing tight-fitting shoes, injuring the toenail, and genetics.
Some signs of an ingrown toenail include a red and swollen area alongside the nail that hurts, the presence of puss coming from the irritated area, and/or a bad odor coming from the nail. The treatment can include cutting away part of the toenail and prescribing antibiotics for infection.
You Have Joint Pain
If you have joint pain in your feet and/or ankles, then a trip to the foot doctor is a good idea. If you experience these pains, as well as stiffness, redness, and swelling, then you may have arthritis.
It's important to have arthritis diagnosed as soon as possible. There may be some treatment options that not only bring you relief but can also preserve the health of your joints, so you can be affected by the condition as little as possible. Some possible treatments include injections, medications, arch supports, physical therapy, and more.
When you see the foot doctor, not only can they can help you feel better sooner, but they can also prevent many issues from getting worse. Visit links like https://www.familyfootcenter.net/ to learn more.
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