Most people experience some level of foot pain at some point in their lives. However, do you know when it is time to make an appointment with a Podiatrist? When it comes to your feet, you should not ignore proper care just because you do not think it is important. The fact is that there are a number of issues that can develop, causing a large amount of pain and discomfort.
A podiatrist is a foot doctor, or a doctor who specializes in treating ankle and foot problems. The majority of podiatrists have spent a minimum of three or four years in college, and then an additional four years studying podiatric medicine.
What Issues do Podiatrists Treat?
A podiatrist can treat any foot or ankle related problem. However, some of the more common issues that are treated include bunions, fungal toe nails, arch pain, hammertoes, heel pain, sores, fractures, infections, weakness, neuropathy, nerve problems, gout, sports medicine, plantar warts, tumors, moles, dry skin, discoloration or swelling, diabetes related food issues and shin splints.
When to Call a Podiatrist
There are a number of aches and pains that can occur in the feet and ankles, diminishing within a day or so. When the pain does not diminish, this is when you should make an appointment with a podiatrist. While some people make appointments within a day or week of the pain starting, there are others who suffer through for months, or even a year. It is important to remember that pain is the only way your body has to tell you that something is wrong. You should not ignore it since this will only cause the issue to become worse.
There are some individuals who suffer from ankle or foot problems and never experience any pain. For example, when a diabetic suffers from neuropathy, which is a deterioration of the nerves in the feet, they may not notice sores, infections or fractures of the feet.
The fact is that issues with the feet can become serious quite quickly, but those who have diabetes are at a higher risk. If a diabetic does not seek podiatric care right away for an issue, it can quickly turn into gangrene and result in a toe, or the entire foot being amputated.
Knowing when to call a podiatrist is essential. Using the information here will help you know when you should, and should not, call on the help of a professional.
