What Can You Expect At Your First Podiatrist Appointment?

The average American stands or walks for 45 minutes daily. While walking helps to counteract the negative effects of sedentary living, it can also cause problems. Calf muscles tighten, ligaments burst, bones break, and muscles become sore as a result of toe-curling, blistering, or misalignment. A podiatrist can assist you with resolving all of these issues and more. This blog will go over what to remember if you need to see a podiatrist.

What Does A Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in problems involving the feet and lower limbs. They offer many different services, such as treatment for bone and joint problems and the removal of calluses. Their work includes helping people with sports injuries, children, the elderly, and problems caused by diseases like diabetes.

Common Foot And Ankle Conditions Treated By A Podiatrist

Taking care of our feet is a solemn responsibility since we walk for thousands of kilometers in a lifetime. The feet carry the weight we impose on them daily. Visiting a podiatrist every once in a while for care would be a good investment because we use our feet for most activities. If you are wondering how to tell if you have an issue with your feet, here are the common injuries that will force you to book a podiatrist appointment:

• Bunions
• Calluses
• Ingrown toenails
• Heel pain
• Arthritis

What To Expect From Your First Podiatrist Appointment

Preparing for a podiatrist appointment can be daunting and confusing. Usually, you may find yourself thinking about what to bring, how much it will cost, how long your first visit or follow-up appointment will last, and how long it will take to recover. You will not believe how uncomplicated your first appointment is. Wear something comfortable that can allow the podiatrist to examine your feet properly. Here are some of the things that will happen during your first podiatrist appointment:

Medical History Checks

Diabetes, arthritis, and previous surgeries are all medical conditions that can cause foot pain. Bring all your important medical records, including a list of your current medications, to your first podiatrist visit. Be prepared to answer any questions your foot doctor may have if you don’t have the documents.

A skilled podiatrist will always have a specially trained receptionist to greet you and make you feel at ease. During your first visit, they will assist you in completing a medical history report. They will inquire about your general health, previous surgeries, current foot problems, and any other medical conditions you may have. Before sending you to a foot doctor for more testing, they will also look at your medical records to learn more about your current symptoms.

Physical Examination

Your podiatrist will perform a physical examination on you, beginning with your feet and progressing to your hips, ankles, lower legs, knees, upper legs, and pelvis. Because all of these parts are interconnected, problems with the feet and toes can easily affect the joints and muscles. They will look for symptoms such as bunions, fungal infections, corns, and other foot-related issues. The podiatrist will go above and beyond to look for signs of poor circulation in the lower legs. They may ask you to walk to see if your gait is off because of a neurological problem, a foot injury, or something else.

Further Diagnosis

Before making a final decision, the podiatrist will decide whether to send you for additional tests and x-rays based on the initial findings obtained during the physical examination. Among these tests are:

1. Electromyography (EMG): This test assesses the health of the foot muscles and the nerve impulses that accompany them. The podiatrist inserts electrodes into the muscle during this procedure to detect electrical activity from the muscle tissue. If you have an abnormal EMG, your problem is with the nerve, and the podiatrist will tell you what to do next.
2. Blood Tests: If the podiatrist suspects an infection, blood will be drawn and sent to a lab for testing. The lab results help the podiatrist find conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that are caused by inflammation or the immune system.
3. Imaging: A CT scan, bone scan, ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI scan may be used to detect bone fractures, blood vessel blockages or narrowing, and other structural problems.
4. Quantitative Sensory Testing: This test employs a specialized computer that records how nerves interpret temperature and vibration changes. Podiatrists will use the results of tests to figure out how bad neuropathy is, especially in people with diabetes, hypersensitivity, or other foot problems.

Treatment Plan

Following a successful diagnosis, the podiatrist will recommend the best treatment option for you. Depending on how bad your condition is, they may need to work with other experts to come up with the best way to treat you.

Podiatrists can provide the following treatments:

• Prescription medications such as pain relievers, antibiotics, and antifungals
• Orthotic devices
• Joint aspiration
• Corticosteroid or joint injections.
• Physical therapy
• It is advised to wear shoes that have a built-up heel insert to take pressure off your Achilles tendon.

Sometimes, if your foot pain intensifies because you are overweight, the podiatrist may recommend you adjust your diet and exercise more to deal with the condition. Losing weight will help you get rid of the excess pressure on your feet.

Looking For Experienced Podiatrists In Eagle Mountain, UT? Call Rogers Foot And Ankle Institute Today.

Proper foot care is essential for good health and a higher quality of life. At Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute, we have trained podiatrists who are eager to listen to your concerns and provide exceptional care. New medications are being developed to treat tendonitis, Achilles rapture, sprained ankles, arthritis, chronic ankle instability, plantar warts, wounds, gait issues, bunions, broken toes, and other foot problems. If you or a family member at Eagle Mountain has foot problems, contact us for a personalized treatment plan. With so much expertise on our team, you can’t expect anything less than the best. Call 801-756-4200 today to schedule your appointment.