Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in treating the feet and ankles. They do everything from cutting toenails to treating diabetic foot, from removing corns and warts to treating the cause of heel pain and foot pain.
One of the main problems with foot issues is that they can affect the way other parts of your body function. For example, a limping gait due to a pain in the foot can negatively impact the knees, hips, and spine, because you’re walking in an off-centered manner.
That is where a skilled podiatrist comes in. Let’s talk about when it is best to see a doctor who practices specialized foot care, and where you can go in Naples to have professional medical treatment to tamp down your foot pain once and for all.
When to See a Podiatry Specialist
You should visit a medical office that treats foot problems and practices podiatry if you experience any of the following:
- Increasing foot pain or ankle pain
- Numbness in the feet
- Swelling in the feet
- An open wound or non-healing sore on the foot
- Discoloration anywhere on or around the foot
- Foot pain coupled with a fever
Podiatrists – and orthopedic doctors who specialize in the lower extremities and sports medicine – are experts in diagnosing and treating foot problems. If you have diabetes, you will want a specialized foot doctor by your side to keep an eye on any developing issues with your feet, because any wounds can quickly develop into serious infections that could warrant amputating a toe or a foot if left untreated.
What Can an Orthopedic Foot Specialist Do for Me?
Foot specialists can not only treat wounds and lumps (such as warts, corns, and bunions) on your feet, but they can also prescribe custom orthotics. These can be customized shoe inserts or entire orthotic shoes that are designed to fit your feet, and your feet alone – they won’t work very well for anyone else’s feet!
Orthotics are formed to provide just the right amount of support in the various areas of your foot. Plus, they are designed without seams or pressure points, so they will not cause chafing on your feet when you walk in them.
Medical foot specialists can evaluate every aspect of your lower legs, ankles, and toes, and all of the supporting ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and muscles. They can recommend different ways for you to stay fit and healthy while preventing potential foot injuries. This is especially helpful for athletes and individuals whose jobs or hobbies rely heavily on their feet.
Podiatry Experts in Naples, FL
At the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, we provide comprehensive orthopedic care for all of our patients. Our medical team is committed to providing top-notch care for the feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine, hands, elbows, and shoulders.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our excellent orthopedic doctors, call us today at (239) 261-2663 or fill out our online appointment request form. Your feet are in expert hands with us!
