Ten Signs It is Time to See a Podiatrist

A doctor who concentrates on caring for the foot is a podiatrist. This practitioner helps people deal with painful injuries and regulate chronic illness and fungal infections. Without some measure of intervention, a patient may experience debilitating pain that interferes with everyday life. Explore 10 symptoms that should be checked by a foot doctor.

10 SIGNS THAT WARRANT A TRIP TO A PODIATRIST

Stay on the lookout for the following symptoms and signs that indicate a foot doctor's advice and treatment is necessary.

1. TOENAIL PROBLEMS

Toenails that become too long may become irritated by shoes. The pressure on the tip can cause nails to dig back into the toe. The toenail may need to be removed by a foot doctor. Toenail fungus is another issue that may need medical attention, or it can spread.

2. HEEL PAIN

Pain in the heel may be indicative of a spur, which is also known as plantar fasciitis. This condition develops when heel tissue swells and causes pain when pressure is applied. According to FootHealthFacts.org, other causes of heel pain include stress fracture, arthritis and nerve inflammation.

3. DIABETES

Diabetes is an illness that causes the body to make too much or too little insulin. Poor circulation in the lower extremities is one side effect diabetics experience. Nerves become damaged, causing numbness and tingling. An injury to the feet takes much longer to heal and is much more susceptible to infection.

4. SWELLING

People who spend a lot of time on their feet may experience some measure of swelling, which is typical. However, when one or both of the feet swell inexplicably, it may signal an injury or circulation issue.

5. ANKLE WEAKNESS

The ankles and feet are connected by bone and tissue. Sudden ankle weakness may be the result of torn ligaments in the foot. Any ankle pain could be the result of a foot injury.

6. RECURRING ATHLETE'S FOOT

Athlete's foot is a fungus that crops up when people tend to have hot, sweaty feet. If over-the-counter treatment does not seem to do the trick, then a trip to the podiatrist may help accomplish relief.

7. BUNIONS

A large and misshapen bump that appears on the outer edge of the big toe may be a bunion. It is a growth on the bone that may continue to get bigger and become more painful.

8. DISCOLORATION

When the foot suddenly appears bruised, there may be a good reason for it. As in diabetics, when the circulation to the foot is not sufficient to perpetuate healing of a wound, the result may be a growing blood pool under the skin. 

9. PAIN

Any sudden onset of foot pain without a corresponding cause should be reported to a foot doctor immediately, as ignoring it may cause further damage.

10. REFERRAL 

When a primary care physician refers a patient to a podiatrist, there is usually good cause for it. Do not delay the appointment.

CONCLUSION

Keeping the feet healthy means seeing a podiatrist when symptoms manifest and persist. Unhealthy feet may become painful and lead to immobility.

Request an appointment here: https://footdoctorinsanjose.com or call Leonard Greenwald, D.P.M. at (408) 827-9483 for an appointment in our San Jose office.

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