Reasons To See A Foot And Ankle Doctor In Eagle Mountain

We’ve all experienced aching feet and ankles from time to time. In most cases, rest and self-care at home are all you need to ease the pain. However, what if the pain persists? Our feet are pretty important when you think about it. Pain or other problems with our feet can make it hard for us to move around and lower the quality of our lives. You should see a podiatrist if you hurt your ankle, have heel pain, or have any other problem with your feet.

A podiatrist is a foot doctor, also known as a doctor of podiatric medicine. These doctors are experts at diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle diseases, injuries, and conditions. They treat foot pain, ankle fractures, and any other ankle conditions. They are also qualified to perform ankle surgery, which is necessary to keep feet healthy.

Here are some reasons why you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

You Want To Start Running Regularly

Runners are highly prone to ankle and foot aches and pains. They tend to develop calluses, bunions, and joint problems due to the repeated stress they put on their feet.

Seeing a podiatrist before you begin this exercise is vital to avert these issues. A podiatrist will assess your ankles and feet to identify potential problems and recommend plans to avoid them. They may also recommend the kind of athletic shoes that will work best for your feet.

Pain In Your Foot Or Ankle

If you are experiencing hot, swollen, red, or stiff joints, you should see a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to diagnose what is causing your foot and ankle pain and recommend a treatment plan.

These professionals are specially trained to manage pain related to musculoskeletal problems like abnormal mechanics in the foot that lead to pain and tissue damage. They can treat everything from heel pain and athlete’s foot to diabetic foot conditions and reconstructive surgical procedures.

Difficulty Walking Or Standing

Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to exercise your body, as long as you are not dealing with unbearable foot pain. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, over 77% of Americans have experienced foot problems. If you are experiencing heel pain, this could be due to an injury to the tendon, a bone spur, or even arthritis.

Plantar fasciitis is also a common cause of intense pain in the foot, making standing and walking unbearable. The first step to taking care of this problem is to see a podiatrist. A podiatrist will conduct an exam and X-ray to find the real cause of your pain and will recommend a treatment.

Feet Are Frequently Swollen

Swollen feet are common and usually are not a cause for concern, especially if you’ve been standing or walking. But ankles and feet that stay swollen could indicate an underlying health problem. A person can experience swollen feet and ankles for several reasons. An injury or misstep can cause swelling.

Blood clots in the veins of the legs can cause swelling in the ankles and feet. Heart, kidney, or liver disease can also cause swelling in the feet. As such, you must see a doctor to diagnose the cause of the swelling and recommend a treatment.

You Have Painful Bunions

A bunion is a hard painful bump that forms on the lower side of the big toe. The bigger it gets, the more inflamed and unbearable it becomes, affecting your ability to perform the physical activities you enjoy. Bunions occur when the bone or joint of the big toenail is out of place.

Left untreated, bunions tend to get worse over time. A podiatrist can perform a foot test to determine how severe the bunion is and how best to treat it. They may suggest treatments like taping, padding, or medication. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

You Have An Underlying Condition

It is not uncommon for foot pain to stem from other underlying conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and muscular weakness. Arthritis, for instance, can lead to poor joint range and motion or mobility, resulting in a range of foot pain and injuries. Your feet may appear red, stiff, swollen, or tender. Left untreated, arthritis can change how your feet function and lead to disability.

Diabetes can also cause various issues, from dry skin and nerve damage to infection and, in severe cases, amputation. Your podiatrist can help accurately diagnose and help you manage the pain. They may also suggest arthritis or diabetic foot care options to preserve joint health, making your daily activities easier.

You Have Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails increase your risk of getting infections. The big toenail is the most frequently impacted one. Some common signs of ingrown nails include redness, inflammation, or pus. You should visit a podiatrist for treatment if you notice any of these symptoms. Sometimes, your podiatrist may need to remove part of your nail. Your podiatrist may also prescribe medication to treat any infections.

You Have Suffered A Strain, Sprain, Or Fracture.

Some common signs of ankle sprains include trouble walking, redness, swelling, and increasing pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit ankle specialists. Podiatrists are experts in treating strains, sprains, and broken bones in the foot or ankle.

They are highly qualified to diagnose your injury and create an appropriate treatment plan. When you visit a podiatrist, they will perform an X-ray to determine how best to treat the area and work with your physical therapist to help you recover faster.

Stop Ignoring Your Foot Pain

If you have foot and ankle pain that doesn’t seem to get better, this is not something you should take lightly. At Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists will diagnose the cause of your foot pain and recommend the appropriate treatment to get you back on your feet quickly.

Whether it is arthritis, a fracture, or a torn ligament, we have the experience and expertise to approach issues with surgical and non-surgical treatment. To schedule a consultation with our foot and ankle specialist, call 801-756-4200 to request an appointment today.