Our feet go through a lot over the course of a year. Anyone who’s ever spent several hours on their feet without rest is familiar with the stress levels our feet endure. So when we suffer a serious foot injury, it’s not always easy to know when to see a podiatrist.
However, foot injuries and infections can be very serious. They impact our mobility and quality of life. Without proper treatment, many injuries will linger or grow worse over time. So how, and when, should you seek treatment from a podiatrist?
Finding a “Podiatrist Near Me”
The first thing you should do if you’ve suffered a foot injury or infection is find a reliable podiatrist. If you haven’t already, researching the “best podiatrist near me” is a good place to start.
Researching symptoms online can be useful for narrowing down possibilities and understanding treatment options. But, you should always leave the official diagnosis and treatment plan to a professional podiatrist.
When Are Podiatrists Needed?
There are many different conditions that require a podiatrist’s attention, and each one can be identified by different symptoms. Here are a few of the most common signs that you should seek treatment from qualified podiatrists.
Numbness, Swelling, or Severe Pain
If you experience numbness, swelling, or severe pain in one foot, it could be a sign of a stress fracture. Stress fractures in the foot are small, hairline cracks that are caused by overexertion. Stress fractures can be treated with rest and recovery, but it’s especially important to catch and diagnose them early.
Chronic Stabbing Pain in Heel
A sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot, especially early in the morning, is likely a sign of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common types of foot injuries. This condition can be difficult to deal with without a proper treatment plan. Your podiatrist might prescribe treatment involving stretches, rest, and orthotics.
Nail Fungus, Discoloration, or Brittle Nails
Any sign of fungal infection in your toenails should immediately prompt a trip to the podiatrist’s office. Fungal infections can cause the nails to deteriorate, which can result in a number of other health complications. However, with proper treatment, such severe results are completely avoidable. Over-the-counter products like fungal nail cream and specialized antifungal nail polish are effective treatments for most fungal nail infections.
Bunions
A bunion is a large bump that forms at the base of the big toe, on the outside of the foot. Bunions are caused by displaced bones in the front of the feet, near the joint of the big toe. They can be very painful, and make it difficult to stay on your feet for long periods. You should see a podiatrist as soon as you notice a bunion developing. Bunion correctors and splints can be great for managing pain throughout the day when dealing with bunions.
Diabetic Care
People with diabetes are at greater risk of a number of health complications related to foot care. If you have diabetes, you should see a podiatrist at any sign of unusual foot discomfort or infection. There is a wide range of diabetic foot care products available to help deal with a variety of symptoms.
For more foot care solutions and advice, be sure to follow the Foot Doc Store online.