Let’s face the facts: the average American takes their feet for granted. Our feet walk thousands of steps every day, and we take little notice of them unless there is an injury or discomfort. Of course, when we do have pain or discomfort, we may brush it off as “normal” foot pain – but is it really normal? Even “minor” symptoms can be a telltale sign of underlying conditions that require immediate treatment. Here are some signs that may help you identify when to see your podiatrist.
How Do I Know When to See a Podiatrist?
Even healthy individuals who do not have foot pain should consider having regular foot checkups with a podiatrist. If you are looking for a podiatrist in the Brooklyn and Manhattan areas, Best Foot Doctor is currently accepting new patients. Please don’t hesitate to give our offices a call to schedule an appointment if you are concerned about undiagnosed foot pain or would like to check on the current status of your feet.
The following seven signs may mean it’s time to make an appointment. Any of them may be a risk factor or symptom of a more profound condition.
- Recent trauma to your feet (such as a sports injury) should always be a sign to make an appointment with your podiatrist. It is impossible to know by looking at the damage what trauma may have done to the inside of your foot. Left untreated or treated poorly, the injury may worsen over time and cause additional damage.
- Puncture wounds are always a sign you should visit a podiatrist. If the injury seems deep or bleeding does not stop, visit the emergency room for immediate treatment.
- Underlying conditions, like diabetes, make foot injuries even more severe. If you have foot pain and diabetes, see your foot doctor as soon as possible.
- If you are unable to put weight on your feet, it is time to schedule an appointment.
- If both feet hurt simultaneously, this may be a sign of a more severe condition. Therefore, you should see a foot doctor right away.
- Severe pain, pain that comes and goes, or pain that lasts more than five days should be seen by a podiatrist.
- Your podiatrist should treat painful feet that are also swollen.
Why Should I Visit a Podiatrist?
Untreated foot pain is not something to take lightly. Your feet are a critical part of your health and should be properly cared for. Because the bones of the feet are so near the skin, any puncture or trauma to your foot increases your risk of developing a bone infection. This type of infection is a serious condition that may be difficult to treat if not caught early on. You can reduce the likelihood of more serious conditions by treating foot pain when it starts.
If you are looking for a foot doctor in the NYC area, please give Best Foot Doctor a call or visit our website for more information. Our state-of-the-art podiatrists and equipment will help you identify the cause of your untreated foot pain.