We rely on our feet to keep us standing and give us the mobility we are so used to. You may not think of going to a foot doctor as necessary and only consider it if you’ve got existing foot problems, however going to see a foot doctor or podiatrist can have many benefits. Make it part of your overall health check-up routine, and you won’t be sorry.
Podiatrists treat foot pain, skin problems, toenail problems, and diabetes complications. If you are unsure of how often to visit a podiatrist’s office, ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a podiatrist, and they will let you know how regular your visits should be based on some factors.
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is an expert in treating problems concerning the foot and ankle. Examples of conditions they can treat are calluses, bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, athlete’s foot, fractures, and diabetes complications. A podiatrist can identify early signs of foot problems. Through a review of your medical history, they can also identify potential causes of foot problems and make recommendations to minimize risk.
How Often Should You Visit?
Podiatrists will advise you on the regularity of your visits. Generally, if your feet and ankles are problem-free and your overall health is good, an annual visit to the podiatry office will suffice. You could have an undiagnosed foot condition that should be addressed as early as possible, which, if treated early, could reduce the chances of serious foot problems in the future. However, for patients with chronic foot conditions, the podiatrist may recommend more frequent visits to check up on the condition.
Aside from chronic foot conditions, patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes need to see a podiatrist regularly. Podiatrists provide diabetic foot care and usually recommend a visit every three to four months depending on the symptoms of the patient. Patients experiencing numbness and tingling are usually considered high-risk. Diabetes makes you highly vulnerable to foot problems due to high glucose levels, poor circulation, and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Complications that can arise from diabetes include infections, ulcers, and limb loss. With diabetes, minor foot problems can develop into larger problems quickly, hence the recommended regular visits to the podiatrist.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your feet daily for signs of cuts, scrapes, skin thickening, and other issues. If you notice any abnormalities, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual visits to a podiatrist, but patients with foot problems that require monitoring may need more frequent visits.
Often, people fail to value their feet until it’s too late. Just as you would make an appointment for neck or back pain, you should do the same for your feet. Your feet and ankles literally carry your weight every time you stand. They deserve the best care from a board-certified podiatrist.
Podiatric Surgeon in Naples, FL
Dr. Jaime Weaver of the Joint Replacement Institute is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surgery and committed to providing comprehensive foot and ankle care. We welcome new patients who are ready to make their first appointment with a podiatrist and those with chronic foot and ankle conditions and diabetes. Call (239) 261-2663 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weaver or use our online request form.
