When you spend a lot of time on your feet, it’s no surprise that they can start showing signs of wear and tear. Even if you try to take good care of them by switching to more cushioned shoes, walking a little bit more often, and wearing sockless shoes when possible, you may notice some minor changes in your gait over time. Unfortunately, these small changes can cause big problems if they go untreated.
Why Visit the Podiatrist?
Your feet are the foundation of your whole body. Feet are responsible for walking and running and support the legs and ankles. Your feet also serve as sensory organs — they contain nerve endings that let your brain know what’s happening outside your body (such as whether you’re stepping on any objects or even stepping off the edge of a cliff!). Moreover, your feet are intimately connected to your other organs and systems in the body, such as the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, and urinary systems. Therefore, it’s important to have regular foot checkups with your podiatrist to ensure your feet are functioning properly and healthy.
What to Expect During Your Initial Visit
You’ll meet with your podiatrist during your initial appointment. Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in foot diseases. Your podiatrist will perform a comprehensive examination and assess your feet during this visit. You’ll likely be asked about your medical history, including questions about your symptoms, severity, and daily activities. Your podiatrist will also look for potential signs of foot problems, including any skin conditions, arthritis, calluses, and evidence of injuries or other ailments. Your podiatrist may also recommend that you spend an afternoon in a podia clinic where a foot care specialist can offer tips on how to take better care of your feet.
So, When Is a Podiatrist Needed?
You should see a podiatrist if you have any significant foot, ankle, or knee pain or experiencing any unusual foot or leg pain. Similarly, if you notice any changes in your gait, or if you’re experiencing foot pain that doesn’t seem to go away with rest, or when you switch to more cushioned shoes, you should talk to your doctor. In addition, if you have diabetes, neuropathy, or peripheral vascular disease (i.e., blood clots in your legs), you should also see a podiatrist because foot problems may be an early sign of another disease. Finally, if you have a history of foot surgery (such as a Morton’s Neuroma removal), you should also see a podiatrist.
Risk Factors for Foot Disease
- Age – As you age, your risk of developing foot disease increases.
- Diet – Certain foods like high-fructose corn syrup and processed meats have been linked to certain foot diseases. So, it’s important to watch your diet and limit your intake of these foods to decrease your risk.
- Certain Foot Conditions – Certain foot conditions, such as ankle sprains, bunions, and overuse injuries, have been linked to an increased risk of developing foot disease. So, if you have one of these conditions, you should get regular foot checkups.
- Certain Medical Conditions – Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, have been linked to an increased risk of developing foot diseases. So, if you have one of these conditions, you should visit a podiatrist’s office regularly.
Diagnosis of Foot Disease
Although the best foot checkups start with a visit to your podiatrist, foot diseases often have nonspecific signs and symptoms that make them difficult to diagnose. During your initial visit, your podiatrist will likely conduct a full physical examination of your feet, including a neurologic examination (looking for painful or numb areas) and an inspection. During the inspection, your podiatrist will look for any abnormalities in your foot structure, such as bunions, calluses, or other abnormalities that may indicate an injury or medical condition. Your podiatrist may order certain diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray, a bone scan, or an MRI, for a more advanced diagnosis. In certain cases, your podiatrist may order a blood or urine test to rule out certain medical conditions. If your podiatrist suspects foot cancer, he or she may recommend that you see a foot oncologist (a physician who specializes in cancer care).
Pro Tips for Heel and Foot Care
Whether you’re the type to wear sandals year-round or you only wear sneakers when you need to hit the gym, there are some foot care tips you should keep in mind. Keep your feet clean. Make sure to wash your feet daily and scrub away any dead skin on the heels and balls of your feet. Clean your shoes regularly. Use a toothbrush to scrub dirt from your shoes at least once a week. This will help prevent skin diseases like athlete’s foot and fungal infections. Keep your toenails short. This will prevent ingrown toenails and painful conditions that can be complicated to treat. Wear appropriate shoes. While you can wear sandals or sneakers for the gym, you should always wear shoes that offer good protection for your feet. This includes shoes with good ankle support, toe protection, a sturdy heel, and soft, cushioned soles.
Wrapping Up
Your feet are an essential part of your body, and they deserve the same level of care and attention that you give your other major organs. So, visit your podiatrist regularly to keep them healthy and functioning. You may be surprised by how much a regular foot checkup can do for your feet.