When You Should See A Podiatrist
Your feet are probably the most worked parts of your body. They are highly vulnerable to wear and tear. And because they are so indispensable, any injury can significantly detract from your quality of life.
Take good care of your feet; visit a podiatrist when you feel there is something not right with them. Here are some signs you should look out for:
Swelling and numbness: Feet become swollen when an excess of fluid has built up inside. Many medical conditions, some serious, can cause swelling in the foot, but the most common explanation is simply standing too long. You may need medical intervention if the swelling does not subside within a few hours.
Constant numbness in the foot can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, characterized by a thickening of the fibrous tissue in the ball of the foot. Your podiatrist can commission specialized insoles and administer corticosteroid injections to alleviate the condition.
Daily pain: Day-to-day pain is a telltale sign that your foot needs to be examined by a podiatrist. Plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendonitis, and osteoarthritis can all be the cause of your foot pain. Your podiatrist can diagnose the source of your discomfort and come up with the necessary treatment plan to resolve it.
Because the causes of foot pain are plenty, you may be risking a lot if you neglect to have your foot checked. Some of the underlying conditions can permanently reduce your mobility and mandate expensive, invasive surgery.
Toenail fungus: Fungus in nails is a common outcome of fungal infection. You can recognize it by the thickened, discoloured nails crumbling at the edge. Particularly severe infections can cause pain and permanently damage your nails. If you suspect a fungal infection you should seek medical intervention.
If you have diabetes or an autoimmune condition, you should have a fungal infection checked right away一even if minor. Reduced blood circulation and a suppressed immune system respectively can easily exacerbate an otherwise lesser condition.
A wound that does not heal: An open wound on your foot that is allowed to fester can result in a skin or bone infection. An untreated infection can lead to lasting lesions, amputation, and even death.
People with diabetes should be extra attentive to wounds on their feet. Because of their compromised natural healing process, even a minor cut can degenerate into a life-threatening condition.
If you are experiencing any of these foot conditions, see a podiatrist as soon as you can. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and reduce the probability of invasive, more serious treatments.
When In Doubt, Check It Out
Because foot conditions are so common and most of them resolve themselves, people tend to overlook them even while in pain or discomfort. This is not good practice; neglecting the health of your feet can have lifelong repercussions.
Listen to your body and visit a podiatrist when it tells you to. If you are in the NYC area, book an appointment with one of our excellent podiatrists or drop by at our Downtown Manhattan office at your earliest convenience.
FAQs
Q: Can orthotics help treat my foot condition?
A: Yes. Insoles and specialized footwear are among the most effective treatments for a variety of foot conditions. However, orthotics found at your standard pharmacy rarely fit the bill. Your podiatrist can commission an orthotic device uniquely tailored to your foot’s dimensions.
Q: Can you help with flat feet?
A: Yes. Our podiatrists have extensive knowledge in flat feet rehabilitation and have the tools to help you develop arches in your feet.
Q: Is podiatry covered by insurance?
A: Sometimes. Our office would be happy to contact your insurance company provider to verify your benefits prior to your appointment.
