When Should You Visit a Podiatrist – 8 Signs of Foot Problems

It is a common tendency to ignore common foot problems like a slight pain or swelling in your ankles that may get well with a little rest. Instead of seeing a podiatrist, you may prefer applying a few home remedies in the affected area like hot and cold compression, ice packs, taking anti-inflammatory pills, a little massage or just changing your footwear.   www.MyBadFeet.com

Its true that often such domestic cures work wonders…but there could be times when the problem keeps recurring and refuses to go away despite all your efforts. Do not be a grudge! Take the stubbornness of your foot problem as an obvious hint that its high time to give podiatric appointment serious thought.

When do you need a podiatrist –

Here are some of the most sensitive cases of foot problems that require immediate expert care:

01. When one foot appears flatter than the other: If you notice that the arch of one of your feet is flatter than the other, something must be wrong about it. Often a ruptured tendon can render the flatter foot dysfunctional and even painful. If you leave the problem unattended, you run the risk of being afflicted with arthritis in the joints since damaged tendons can throw bones into misalignment.

02. When one foot undergoes pain and inflammation:  Swelling in foot is called edema. As opposed to lymphedema (pain and swelling in both feet), when edema occurs in one of your feet, it can mean trouble. You might be suffering from tendonitis, tendon rupture, broken bone or a foot infection. It is best to consult your podiatrist immediately to start the necessary treatment. 

03. When a wound or sore refuses to be healed: Normally, any cut or bruise should heal with little time. But a deep or open sore can turn out into a dangerous problem especially if you are a diabetic. Hence, its better to visit a podiatrist immediately after the wound occurs. Expert medical attention can reduce the chances of  bone infection called Osteomyelitis (very dangerous).

04. When activity or movement worsens pre-existing pain: Sometimes, you might be complaining of a lasting foot pain that aggravates with activity. This might be a sign it may be a stress fracture.  A stress fracture requires immediate podiatric treatment to prevent it from shattering into a much bigger problem. 

05. When severe pain lasts through a day: If you are suffering an excruciating pain in your foot that you can’t relieve yourself, call your podiatrist immediately. The causes for such pain could be anything from deep vein thrombosis, compartment syndrome, trauma or an infection. If you have just undergone a foot surgery, the problem could be from tight dressings. Therefore, its better to stop speculating and let your doctor take a look.   www.mybadfeet.com   
    
06. When your feet pain at raised leg positions: Some foot pains are typical to elevated foot posture as you stretch your legs while lying on bed. This could be because of an undetected peripheral artery disease that restricts blood flow to the feet. Under this serious condition, you might require the attention of a podiatrist as well as a vascular surgeon.

07. When there are discoloration and color variations between your feet: If you find a noticeable anomaly in the skin color of your two feet, this could signify various problems. If your foot appears bluish or purplish, it might be a vein problem. Redness could be a sign for gout or infection while paleness could mean inadequate blood circulation. Whichever color, visit a podiatrist right away.

08. When you experience numbness, tingling or burning sensation in feet: These are all potent signs of neuropathy that reduces sensation in your feet (diabetics). Under this condition, you are more prone to unnoticed foot ulcers. You should be very particular about regular foot check-ups if you have diabetes.



www.MyBadFeet.com       DR MAASI J. SMITH / mybadfeet staff