How to get the most out of your visits to a Podiatrist

Have you ever returned from a visit to a doctor only to realize that you forgot to ask that one thing you’ve been meaning to ask since when you made the appointment? This happens a lot. You get so caught up in what the doctor is saying that you forget to ask questions yourself. Fortunately, this can be avoided. Ideally, you want to come away from the visit enlightened, well-informed, and satisfied.

If you’re scheduled for a visit to the podiatrist, here’s a guide to help you make the most out of it. The better prepared you are, the less likely you’ll feel as if you’ve wasted your time at the podiatrist’s clinic.

Make Lists

There are two different lists you should make: a list of your symptoms and a list of your questions. When you write down your symptoms, go into detail, such as when they started, how you feel, what makes the symptoms worse, and when they bother you most. If you can associate it with an incident, write that down, too. For instance, did your symptoms start after wearing certain shoes or after starting a new exercise/activity?

Another list to make is your list of questions. These will vary from patient to patient, but generally, you want to ask the following:

• What caused my foot condition?
• How can I prevent it from returning?
• What are all my treatment options?
• Are there home remedies to relieve the symptoms?
• Do I need to change my footwear? If yes, what kind of footwear do I need to switch to?
• Are there activities I should avoid?
• How long does recovery typically take?

Prepare Your Medical History

Your medical history (along with your list of symptoms) will help the doctor make a diagnosis and recommend treatment that is tailored to you. Let the podiatrist know your health history, known allergies, any medications you are on, and any treatments you are receiving from other physicians. Your medical history offers important insights into what could be causing your symptoms. It is important to be transparent and detailed when sharing your medical history with your podiatrist.

Wear Loose Pants or Shorts

The podiatrist will physically examine your legs, particularly the area starting from your feet up to your knees, so dress in a way that will make it easy for them to do this. Wear pants that you can roll up or shorts. Also, keep your nails bare. Remove toe polish for the visit, so the podiatrist can examine them.

Bring The Shoes You Wear The Most

Podiatrists suggest bringing footwear that you wear the most to your visit. This provides an insight into what might be causing or exacerbating your foot condition. It helps the doctor in the diagnostic process. Your podiatrist can make footwear recommendations and provide custom orthotics to make your shoes more comfortable and relieve your symptoms.

Podiatrist in St. Peters & O’Fallon, MO

Our experienced podiatrist at Advanced Bone & Joint can find out what is causing your symptoms and recommend treatment as well as lifestyle changes, so you feel better. Our podiatrist, Dr. Anthony Lombardo, is a foot and ankle surgeon and can perform the most advanced surgical procedures, if necessary. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lombardo, call our clinic at (636) 229-4222 or use our online form.