When experiencing minor foot complications, you most likely head to the medicine cabinet for some over-the-counter pain medication. You might also visit your primary care doctor if the problems don’t go away. When is it time to see a foot specialist, though?
How will you know when the issues you’re having with your feet require you to see the specialist? There are several different reasons why seeing a podiatrist is the best decision to make. In the guide below, you’ll discover a few signs that it’s time to take your foot problems to the specialist!
Continue reading to learn about all those different signs and cure your foot pain today!
1. Fungus Under the Nail
The fungus can start to grow under the nail for a variety of reasons. Visiting the nail salon on a regular basis is one of those reasons. Nail fungus is common and luckily can be treated after seeing the foot doctor.
How do you know if you have fungus under your toenails? When the fungus begins to grow, the nail will become discolored. It could turn yellow or another odd color.
The nail will also become much thicker than the other nails. Although nail fungus might not affect you in your everyday life, it’s important to schedule a visit with the podiatrist to ensure you treat the fungus before it spreads to the other toenails.
2. Broken Foot or Ankle
Have you recently done something that then lead to a broken foot or ankle? Do you believe you might have sprained your foot or ankle? Although you can always visit an emergency room or bone specialist when seeking treatment, a foot and ankle specialist is your best bet.
A foot specialist has more knowledge and experience working with and treating broken bones in the foot. When someone else might overlook a small fracture or break, a podiatrist will catch it and will then create a treatment plan for you. Even if the pain is bearable, do be sure to stop in and see your foot doctor.
If something is broken, you’ll need to follow a proper treatment plan to ensure it heals properly, and you have few or no issues with it in the later years.
3. Swelling or Pain in One Foot
Not all swelling or pain in your feet requires a trip to the foot doctor. A small amount of swelling at the end of a busy day or after engaging in vigorous physical activity is normal. When you experience sudden swelling, pain, or even numbness in one foot that doesn’t go away, that’s when you’ll want to consider seeing the specialist.
These types of foot problems could be indicators of foot injuries, kidney issues, a blood clot, or something else. It could also be something minor, but a foot doctor will be able to examine your foot and give you the proper diagnosis.
4. A Diabetes Diagnosis
Foot problems are common in people who have diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, then you should schedule annual appointments to see your foot doctor.
Infections, ulcers, nerve damage, and limited circulation in the feet are all related to diabetes. If you see your foot doctor at least once a year, then you can have foot examinations done to ensure all foot issues are treated and prevented when possible.
5. Stubborn Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is another type of foot fungus, but this fungus doesn’t start under the nail. In most cases, this fungus begins growing between the toes. This type of fungus is common in athletes because lots of sweat and tightly closed shoes create the perfect home for the fungus.
Although you can purchase treatment creams over the counter, a stubborn athlete’s foot that won’t go away should be examined by a specialist.
6. A Bunion on the Big Toe
Bunions are more common in women because they’re caused mostly by wearing tight shoes around the toe area that push the big toe in. High heels, ballet flats, and other shoe styles can cause bunions. That’s not to say men can’t have them as well.
Men also suffer from bunions, but in some cases, bunions go unnoticed.
If not treated, however, bunions can become worse. They not only stick out more, but they’re also painful. There’s a procedure that can be done to remove the bunion and a treatment plan to follow to prevent it from happening again.
Your foot specialist will know exactly how to remove the bunion and bring your foot back to health.
7. Discoloration and Bruising
If you stub your toe one day and notice bruising around the area, then you won’t need to make a trip to the specialist, as long as it begins to heal over time. When you notice discoloration or bruising on one of your feet, and you don’t remember injuring it, then it’s time to keep an eye on it.
Bruising or discoloration of any type that doesn’t seem to go away should be examined by the specialist. The foot doctor will determine the best course of action to take to ensure your foot is healed.
8. Stubborn Sores or Blisters
A small blister on the foot is normal after walking around in new shoes all day, for example. When you notice a blister or sore on your foot that becomes worst, turns a dark color, or won’t go away, that’s when you need to see the specialist. Although anyone who notices these signs should see a specialist, it’s even more crucial for those with diabetes.
Pain around the area or signs of infection should encourage you to make a phone call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
9. The Doctor’s Orders
One of the last signs that it’s time to see a foot specialist is when it’s the doctor’s orders. If you visit your primary care doctor and are advised to see a specialist, then do so. Your primary care should give you a referral to specialists they know and trust, such as the doctors at Premier Foot Care.
Take your doctor’s advice, make the phone call, schedule the appointment, and have your foot checked out.
Is It Time to See a Foot Specialist?
Have you noticed any of these signs with your own feet? If so, then it’s time to see a foot specialist! Use the information given in the guide below to determine if scheduling an appointment with the foot doctor is the right call for you.
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