When to Visit a Podiatrist

A podiatrist is a medical doctor trained to diagnose and treat conditions and injuries of the foot, ankle, and connective parts of the lower leg. Podiatrists use both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Your lower extremities have complex structures consisting of bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments, and they all work together to keep you moving and performing your daily activities. However, foot pain can limit your mobility and quality of life. Fortunately, podiatrists can assist you in regaining your mobility, reduce or eliminate pain symptoms, and help you get back on your feet.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint when is the right time to see a podiatrist. Let’s take a look at how to figure out when you should seek medical advice for your foot or ankle care needs.

When to See a Podiatrist

It is best to check with a podiatrist for foot injuries and other conditions if you experience any of the following symptoms for longer than a couple of days:

• redness
• swelling
• pain
• numbness
• open wounds
• infection
• deformity (out of shape bones)

You should also seek a podiatrist’s care immediately following an injury to the foot or ankle. Your feet contain 25% of bones in your body. When you injure your foot in an accident, you could possibly have a fracture in one of these bones. The sooner you seek treatment, the faster you will find relief. Even if you aren’t feeling debilitating pain, it’s good to see a doctor following an injury to ensure any internal damage is treated correctly and quickly.

There are a lot of common conditions that cause people to see podiatrists on a regular basis. They include:

Joint Pain in Legs, Ankles, and Feet

Arthritis is a common condition affecting joint health. It causes inflammation in the joints and for many people, it affects the feet. If you have swelling, redness, stiffness, or tenderness in your lower extremities, talk to a podiatrist about getting a diagnosis. They can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to preserve joint health.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause a variety of serious medical issues, such as nerve damage and wounds. If you have diabetes, it is best to get your feet examined by a podiatrist at least once a year. Medical care by a podiatrist can lower your risk of foot problems, including the need for amputation.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a nuisance at their best and extremely painful at their worst. If your toenail is growing into nearby skin and causing redness, swelling, and inflammation, see a podiatrist immediately. A podiatrist can provide treatment for your ingrown toenail, treat the possible infection, and prescribe medication, if necessary.

Podiatrist in St. Peters and O’Fallon, Missouri

Maintaining the health of your feet is crucial to your everyday function. Don’t let foot pain stop you from living your best life. The podiatrists at Advanced Bone & Joint are here to offer you the best services for your foot and ankle care needs. We treat all types of conditions and injuries affecting the foot and ankle, including diabetic foot, orthopedic injuries and conditions, heel spurs, shin splints, toe deformities, and more.

Schedule an appointment with us, and find relief from any foot-related issue you are suffering from. You can also call us at (636) 229-4222 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to serving you!