For quite some time, I wasn't sure what I was going to do about my failing health. I knew that I had a few longterm health problems, but resolving the issues felt really difficult. Fortunately, a friend of mine mentioned going to the doctor, so I began looking for medical alternatives. I began working with one doctor who suggested a course of medications and a few lifestyle changes, and I was really enthusiastic about the progress I was making. I know that making health and medical changes helped the quality of my life, and I know it could help you too. Check out this blog for more information.
Conditions That Require A Podiatrist Appointment
It's easy to neglect your feet until they bother you, and sometimes even after that. However, an injury to your foot or a medical issue with one or both of them can cause a serious problem or ongoing chronic pain if you don't stop and seek correct medical treatment. There are several times that you should consider scheduling an evaluation with a podiatrist, including the following:
You Suspect a Strain or Sprain
If you've injured your ankle or foot recently and fear that it may be strained or sprained, you may need to make an appointment with a foot doctor for an evaluation. Strains and sprains can be quite painful, in some cases more painful than breaks, and can require special evaluation, ongoing treatment, or even surgical repair.
Stubborn Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be incredibly painful, as anyone who's had one understands. If you are suffering from the pain that a severe ingrown toenail causes, it may be time to consult a podiatrist to learn about having it removed. Once they treat the ingrown toenail, you'll be sore for a short time, but you'll be free of the excruciating pain that you're currently living with on a daily basis.
Open Wounds that Will Not Heal
If you have wounds or sores on your feet that refuse to heal up, even with careful First Aid and cleansing at home, you'll likely have to see a foot doctor. There may be a serious infection that you cannot treat at home, or you may be suffering from another illness, like diabetes, that is triggering the symptom of slow wound healing. A podiatrist will be able to evaluate the wounds, help you heal them, and refer you to an endocrinologist if necessary.
Tingling or Numbness
Individuals who've had diseases like diabetes that cause high blood sugar on a regular basis may find that they've experienced nerve damage, or neuropathy, in their feet, ankles or toes. If you feel tingling or numbness in your feet or a feeling of pins and needles, you may need to see a foot doctor for further evaluation. This medical professional can evaluate the situation and refer you for any additional testing that you may need, such as diabetes monitoring or nerve conduction studies.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, contact a local foot doctor to schedule an evaluation. They can help you design a treatment plan that's right for you. For more information, contact a local clinic like Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists.