3 Reasons To Schedule An Appointment With A Foot Doctor
Your primary care physician can treat a variety of conditions, but there are situations where you may need to see a specialist. If you are experiencing foot or ankle problems, you may need to be referred to a foot doctor, also known as a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a type of physician that specializes in treating a variety of conditions and injuries that affect the feet and ankles. When you are having problems with your feet, it is in your best interest to see a podiatrist as soon as possible in order to prevent the issue from getting worse. Some of the most common reasons to see a podiatrist include the following.
You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a complicated disease, and a person who has diabetes will need to see a team of doctors. While diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from producing and regulating insulin, it can also cause a lot of feet problems. Diabetes affects the nerves, especially the nerves in the feet. A person with diabetes may experience numbness or neuropathy, which can impede walking and may lead to foot ulcers that can become infected. If you have diabetes, it is essential to be under the care of a podiatrist who can closely monitor the health of your feet.
Persistent Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can be quite painful, and ingrown toenails can become infected if they are not properly treated. Ingrown toenails are not uncommon, but some people experience persistent ingrown toenails that keep coming back. If you have developed numerous ingrown toenails, a podiatrist can help you. There are a few minor procedures that a podiatrist can perform to correct ingrown toenails and to help ensure that toenails grow in properly. You can also count on a podiatrist to properly treat an infected ingrown toenail.
Bunions on One or Both Feet
Bunions are painful bony growths that are caused by a foot deformity. One a bunion gets to the point that it is painful or makes it difficult to find a pair of shoes to wear, it is not going to heal itself on its own. If you have bunions on one or both feet, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Some bunions can improve with conservative treatment, but severe bunions are typically corrected through surgery. Your podiatrist will do a comprehensive exam and then determine the best course of treatment for your bunions.
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