6 Signs That It’s Time to See a Podiatrist

Even though our feet are an integral part of our overall body health, many people will delay seeing a podiatrist or foot specialist for nagging foot problems until it’s too late. Many people wait to see a foot specialist simply because they don’t recognize the signs and symptoms of common foot problems that warrant a closer look.

If you’re experiencing any of the foot problems below, it might be time for you to schedule a visit to your podiatrist!

Persistent foot swelling or numbness

Feet that get swollen or feel numb once in blue moon are usually not a huge cause for concern. But if swelling and numbness are happening fairly regularly, you shouldn’t just grin and bear it. A number of factors could be the cause. Tendonitis, a broken bone, a sprained ankle or even an underlying infection could make your feet swollen or numb. If the numbness is accompanied by tingling or burning, it could be a sign of nerve damage – a condition that people with diabetes are particularly susceptible to.

Especially thick calluses or corns

While corns and calluses aren’t serious problems, the underlying cause of them might be. Problems with your gait or the structure of your foot (including bunions and hammertoes) may be the reason for your stubborn corns and calluses, and may also be reason enough for you to see a foot specialist.

Painful bunions

Wearing the right shoes that don’t crowd your toes can help alleviate the pain of bunions, but since they are caused by a deformity in the foot, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to see a podiatrist to actually correct the underlying problem.

Pain walking or performing daily activities

If your feet are causing you pain when you’re active or moving around, you could have a fracture or other foot injury that hasn’t healed properly. Without proper treatment, your injury could get worse over time and make it increasingly more difficult to go about your daily life.

Cracked or bleeding heels

Dry, cracked heels can usually be remedied with a bit of sloughing and foot cream. But the longer dryness and split skin on your heel persists, the more problems you’re likely to experience. Over time, your heels may begin to bleed or become more susceptible to infections. If you have diabetes, it’s especially important that you see your doctor to remedy the problem.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails can quickly go from being a minor nuisance to being extremely painful or infected. Many people attempt to treat an ingrown toenail on their own, but it’s better to seek professional help to make sure the condition is treated properly without damaging either your toenail or surrounding tissue.

Even if you don’t have a current foot problem or injury, it’s a good idea to schedule regular visits with your podiatrist. Whether you’ve got a foot problem you’ve been ignoring or if it’s been awhile since your last foot checkup, we can help! Contact us today for an appointment to evaluate the current health of your feet.