Preparing for your Podiatry Appointment

So you’ve scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist. You may be wondering whether any preparation is needed to see a foot and ankle doctor. Every time you visit a doctor, it’s best to come prepared. This will ensure the appointment is productive and worthwhile.

For some appointments, there may be specific instructions provided by the clinic, for others, there may be none. For an initial podiatric appointment, there are some things you can to do prepare.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your visit with a podiatrist.

Things To Do Before Your Scheduled Appointment

Start preparing with what you know – the reason for your scheduled visit with the podiatrist. The first thing to do is to make a list of all your symptoms. Pain, tenderness, numbness, tingling, and weakness — these are all symptoms you should detail in your list. In addition, also write down or make a mental note of other important information such as when the symptoms began and when they seem to get worse, as well as what you have been doing to relieve your symptoms. Also, make a list of any questions you have about your condition and other issues you want to discuss. The podiatrist will also want to know your medical history. If you can, take your medical records with you. Besides your medical history, your exercise regimen, the sports you engage in, and information about your occupational responsibilities are also pertinent information that will be discussed.

There are also items you can bring with you to the podiatrist’s clinic that may be useful, such as the medications you are currently taking and the shoes you wear on a regular basis. If you wear orthotics, take them with you, as well.

On The Day Of Your Appointment

On the day of your visit, make sure to clean your feet. If your problem is affecting your nails, don’t cut them. A podiatrist may need to take a sample of your toenail for diagnostic purposes. Women should remove nail polish on their toenails.

During the visit, listen intently to what the podiatrist is saying. If there’s anything you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Ultimately, your goal is to learn about your condition, what contributes to it, and how to treat it and prevent it from reoccurring. People who see a podiatrist come away from a visit with a better understanding of how to take better care of their feet.

Foot and Ankle Doctor in St. Peters and O’Fallon, Missouri

If you’re seeking comprehensive podiatric care, Dr. Anthony Lombardo of Advanced Bone & Joint is highly skilled and experienced in non-surgical and surgical treatments of the foot and ankle. Dr. Lombardo is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He can see you in our St. Peters or O’Fallon orthopedic facilities. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lombardo, call (636) 229-4222 or request an appointment using our convenient online form.