Should I See a Podiatrist Immediately For Foot Pain?
Most of us experience painful or sore feet from time to time. After all, our feet have a big job to do. Our feet bear our weight when we stand, walk, run, and move around the world. But if you are suffering from regular foot pain that is intense or won’t go away, it might be time to see a podiatrist. And you should definitely see a podiatrist immediately if your foot pain is restricting your daily activities or affecting your overall health. Foot pain can be a sign of a serious underlying condition or disease. There are several health issues that can impact your feet. If you are wondering, “should I see a podiatrist immediately for foot pain?” We can help you answer that question. Foot pain that doesn’t go away can be a sign of an underlying condition or disease, so it is important to never ignore foot pain.
Should I See a Podiatrist Immediately For Foot Pain?
Foot pain can range from a minor annoyance to having a major, debilitating impact on your day-to-day life. A podiatrist can help you identify the reason behind the foot pain you are experiencing. While many people are often unsure when to seek medical care for foot pain, it is never a bad idea to see a podiatrist immediately. Seeing a podiatrist can help relieve your pain and prevent any more serious injuries or conditions from occurring. Emergencies are one of the most common reasons to see a podiatrist.
Here are a few reasons why you might need to see a podiatrist immediately for foot pain:
You Are in Pain
Whether your foot pain is because of exercise, work, an injury, or an unknown cause, it is never a bad idea to visit a podiatrist when you are experiencing foot pain.
You Are Restricting Your Daily Activities
Perhaps you are not walking as much or engaging in your regular active workouts. If you are restricting your daily activities due to foot pain, it’s time to see a podiatrist immediately.
You Have Diabetes
If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot pain, it is often more than just pain. Foot pain for diabetics is usually a warning sign from your body. Diabetic nerve pain in your feet can lead to more serious complications if you don’t see a doctor and get treated right away.
You Have Suffered an Injury
If you have suffered an injury, whether it was during an athletic activity or simply during your daily life, it is important to seek medical attention right away. You have suffered a strain, sprain, or a broken bone, all of which are serious injuries that require an immediate visit to a doctor.
You Are Suffering From Heel Pain
Podiatrists are commonly known as foot doctors, but what you may not know is that podiatrists can also help you address pain in your heels.
Should I See an Emergency Podiatrist?
There are some conditions and injuries that mean it’s time to seek urgent care from an emergency podiatrist. If your symptoms include: severe pain, a visible injury or deformity, swelling, numbness, tingling, signs of infection (like redness, tenderness, or heat in the foot), a fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, any open wounds or sores, inability to bear weight on either one or both feet, or pain in both feet, then you should see an emergency podiatrist right away.
Top Five Reasons to See a Podiatrist Immediately
There are also some health conditions that can increase the risk of health-related foot problems:
There are five top reasons to see a podiatrist immediately:
Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails happen when the toenail starts to grow into the adjacent skin. If you have an ingrown toenail that is swelling, schedule a visit to see a podiatrist right away to keep it from getting worse. Ingrown toenails can be dangerous, and home remedies often don’t do much to help an ingrown toenail.
Nail Fungus
Another common reason people seek help from a podiatrist immediately is nail fungus, or fungal nails. Nail fungus has become more of a problem since nail salons have become more popular. It also spreads as public swimming pools and communal showers. You might have nail fungus that begins as a discolored spot under the tip or base of the nail. Over time, the nail might thicken and become yellow. Nail fungus can also keep coming back, which is why it is important to seek professional help right away.
Ankle Sprain
Even a minor sprain requires an immediate visit to a podiatrist. If your sprain doesn’t heal correctly, the damage can become permanent. When a sprain happens, the ligaments in the ankle stretch and tear. This can lead to future ankle injuries and affect your stability and mobility.
Flat Feet
Some people who have flat feet never developed arches during childhood. However, it is possible to develop flat feet (called adult acquired flatfoot) due to an injury or a weakening in the tendon that supports the arch. This can cause pain. A podiatrist can address pain from flat feet with orthotics and supportive shoes.
Arthritis
Did you know that there are several different types of arthritis that can affect your feet? Five different types of arthritis that can affect your feet are osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. You might feel pain in different parts of your feet and to different degrees depending on the types of arthritis you have. A podiatrist can diagnose arthritis in your feet and offer ways to manage the pain in your feet.
Schedule a Podiatry Visit With Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois
If you are unsure if you need to see a podiatrist immediately for foot pain, your best bet is to play it safe and schedule a visit right away. Your foot health is important for your everyday life, so it is important to take it seriously. If you need to see a podiatrist immediately, come to Foot & Ankle Specialists of Illinois.
