Warm weather is here and if you notice that your sandals aren’t quite as cozy as you like, then you may not enjoy the summer fun as you should. Unfortunately, many people put off talking to their doctors because they mistakenly believe that ankle, foot, or heel pain treatment won’t help because foot pain is just a part of life.
It’s not.
Today, Dr. Danielle Malin gives a rundown of 10 reasons you might want to visit your podiatrist before your first summer vacation.
- Constant heel pain. There are many different causes of continuous heel pain. Trauma, bruising, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis are just a few of these. Heel pain treatment depends upon the cause, and your podiatrist will form a comprehensive examination, including x-rays, to develop a custom treatment plan.
- Numbness, swelling, or pain in one foot. You already know that your feet will hurt after prolonged physical activity, such as running a marathon or working a 12-hour shift in a factory. However, sudden pain, especially when combined with numbness, tingling, or swelling, should be looked at immediately.
- Fungal toenails. A fungal infection can cause thickening and yellowing of the toenails; left untreated, it can spread to the rest of the toes.
- Potential ankle sprain/break. Whether you’ve twisted your ankle or there is a visible bone protrusion, call your podiatrist for an emergency appointment. While an orthopedist or urgent care provider can treat breaks and sprains, your podiatrist has extensive and intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the ankle.
- You’re diabetic. Diabetes is a serious condition that can result in poor circulation of the lower extremities. Visit your podiatrist annually to ensure that your feet are as healthy as the rest of your body.
- You can’t get rid of your athlete’s foot. You don’t have to be a football player to get athlete’s foot, and this fungal infection can happen to anyone. The vast majority of infections are easily resolved with over-the-counter sprays and creams, but athlete’s foot that doesn’t go away may require stronger medication.
- Corns and calluses. Corns and calluses can cause pain throughout the entire foot. Heel pain treatment for calluses and corns might involve callous shaving or a prescription topical cream that can soften thickened skin.
- Bunions. Dr. Malin explains that bunions look like a large or misshapen growth at the base of the big toe. Depending on the size of the bunion, there may be several treatment options, including bunion surgery.
- Ingrown nails. Ingrown toenails are painful and can cause an infection if they are difficult to clean or break the skin. While your pedicurist may offer to snip ingrown nails into shape, a podiatrist has more experience and can safely remove the excess nail and prescribe antibiotics or other medications if needed.
- Ankle or foot joint pain. Inflammation of the joints can cause stiffness or pain. Contact your podiatrist if the pain doesn’t go away, even if it responds temporarily to ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Contact Premier Foot & Ankle Care today for more information on ankle, foot, and heel pain treatment and surgical options.
