When was the last time you made an appointment to see a podiatrist?
Chances are it has a been a while, if ever – this seems to be the case for many of us and should come as no surprise as most of us don’t usually think about our feet even when we actually try to stay on top of our general health and well-being.
But this should be far from the case. Studies have shown that the majority of Americans today suffer from foot related problems and discomfort. In fact, every year many foot conditions go undiagnosed due to our lack of concern about the aches and pains our feet endure – we constantly ignore their cries for attention.
No more!
We have a news-flash for you – your feet are the foundation to your entire body, and as such, whenever your feet suffer so do your legs, your hips, your back, and even your neck. One could almost say that you should consider your health from your feet up. But, unfortunately, the reality is that many of us don’t recognize the importance of having healthy feet until there is something seriously wrong.
Visiting a podiatrist should, therefore, be a vital part of your health plan and routine. This is true even for those of you who have no apparent foot issues at the moment. Some conditions can altogether go unnoticed by the untrained eye, leaving room for it thrive and grow into a bigger problem in the future. Whereas if you see a podiatrist, the issue can be properly identified and addressed.
So, if you are wondering when you should see a podiatrist, the answer is: why not today?!
Keep reading our blog to find out what exactly a podiatrist can do for you. We also have some pointers as to what symptoms you should always be on the lookout for and how we can help you treat some of your foot related pains.
Who is a Podiatrist?
Podiatrists are medically and surgically trained physicians that specialize in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Anything from reoccurring ingrown toenails, corns and calluses to unbearable arthritis pain, unsightly bunions and diabetes related complications, podiatrists are your go-to professionals when looking to address these problems.
Seeing as we use our feet to do virtually everything in our lives – we stand, we walk, we dance, we run – why not make sure they are healthy and happy? After all, they do take us everywhere we want free of charge!
Listen to Your Feet
Now, you may be wondering when is the right time to actually consider making an appointment with a podiatrist. Although, you shouldn’t wait for your feet to start giving you grief to finally see a podiatrist, there are some signs which indicate you should seek attention immediately.
Here are some:
- Diabetes diagnosis
- Hot and/or swollen feet
- Numbness, burning, and tingling
- Bumps and lumps which grow in size
- Severe pain on heels, arches and ankles
- Persistent wound or sore (does not heal)
- Painful bumps/lumps and/or discoloration
- One foot appears to be flatter than the other
- Pain increases with activity and/or does not go away after 24 hrs.
Yes – problems with your toes, feet and ankles are the most common reasons to see a podiatrist, but you should also do the same whenever you begin to experience back pain. As no one body part works in isolation, your feet may be the underlying cause for your back pain, and a podiatrist will be able to help.
How We Can Help You
The good news is that here in our offices, we can help you not only prevent, but also treat and correct most – if not all – foot and ankle related conditions you may be experiencing.
Indeed, we are your one-stop, all-inclusive podiatric practice.
Some of our treatment options include:
- Oral and/or topical medication
- Padding and taping
- Shoe changes
- Orthotics
In addition to comprehensive conservative and surgical care of foot and ankle disorders, we also provide vascular evaluations, biomechanical analyses, diagnostic X-rays and ultrasounds, diabetic foot care, and more.
Do You Need The Help Of An Experienced and Caring Podiatrist? Contact Our El Paso Foot Doctor Today.
If you're experiencing any type of foot pain you should speak with an experienced podiatrist as soon as possible. Please contact us online to schedule your appoinment or call one of our convenient El Paso offices directly. To reach our Sierra Tower Building podiatrist office please call 915.533.5151. You can find driving directions here. To reach our George Dieter Drive podiatry office please call 915.856.3331. Driving directions are available here.
