When To See a Podiatrist: Key Signs and Symptoms

If you have foot pain that doesn’t resolve or is getting worse, seeing a podiatrist can help you get back on your feet. The podiatrists at Podiatry Services of CNY in North Syracuse, NY, offer a wide range of foot, ankle, and toe services.

What You Need To Know About Podiatry Services

Your feet handle a heavy burden, supporting your weight and carrying you through your life. Foot problems can happen to everyone. Many foot problems will go away without treatment, but there are some key signs and symptoms you need to pay attention to. It’s important to see a podiatrist if you:

• Have experienced an injury to your feet, ankles, or toes
• Are experiencing foot, ankle, or toe pain that is interfering with movement
• Are experiencing chronic pain in your feet, ankles, or toes
• Have a fever accompanied by foot pain
• Have difficulty wearing shoes due to foot pain
• Are experiencing weakness or instability in your feet, ankles, or toes

Chronic diseases can also affect your feet. You should see a podiatrist regularly if you have:

• Osteoarthritis, because it can cause stiffness in your joints, inflammation, and joint destruction
• Rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe pain in your joints, deformed bones and joints, and mobility problems
• Diabetes can cause nerve damage, peripheral neuropathy, loss of blood flow, and delayed healing

Another reason you should see a podiatrist is if you have one or more of these common conditions:

• Ingrown toenails
• Hammertoes
• Fungal toenail
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions

Your podiatrist will begin with a comprehensive foot examination. Laboratory testing and imaging may also be recommended to determine if an underlying medical condition is causing your foot, ankle, or toe problem. Depending on your signs and symptoms, your podiatrist may recommend:

• Orthotics, provide support, realign your feet and toes, and help relieve pain
• Anti-inflammatory medication, to decrease inflammation and pain
• Corticosteroid injections, to decrease swelling, inflammation, and pain
• Physical therapy, to restore strength, function, and range-of-motion
• Surgical therapy, to repair or realign bones, tendons, ligaments, and other structures

Want To Know More About How a Podiatrist Can Help You?

To learn more about when to see a podiatrist, talk with the experts. Call the podiatrists at Podiatry Services of CNY in North Syracuse, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (315) 458-1777, so call today.