We rely on our feet for a lot – they help us get around, after all. So, it’s essential to take care of them and see a doctor if there are any problems. If you experience foot pain, you may be unable to walk or stand for long periods. The aching can make it difficult to do your job, exercise, or even get around the house.
Here are some signs that you should visit your podiatrist or foot doctor.
Changes In The Appearance Of Feet
If you notice any changes in the appearance of your feet, it’s time to see a doctor. Monitor your skin and toenail colors, bumps, growths, or swelling, because these changes could be signs of a foot problem.
Foot Pain And Swelling
Foot pain or swelling could be a sign of an injury, infection, or other conditions. These symptoms can indicate an underlying medical condition and make it difficult to walk or stand. Some of the possible causes of pain and swelling include:
- Arthritis – inflammation of joints, which can cause pain and swelling
- Gout – a form of arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints
- Injuries – such as fractures, sprains, and strains
- Infections
- Plantar fasciitis – causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot
- Tendonitis – inflammation of tendons
Numbness Or Tingling In Feet
If you have numbness or tingling in your feet, it could be a sign of nerve damage. This injury can result from diabetes or many other problems. Numbness and tingling can make it difficult to walk or stand, and could be signs of a severe condition. If left untreated, the nerve damage may lead to loss of sensation, reflex, or function.
Unhealing Wounds
If you have any cuts or abrasions on your feet that don’t resolve, it’s time to seek a doctor. Wounds on your feet that aren’t healing could indicate diabetes or an infection. You may develop an ulcer or an open wound that doesn’t heal. Ulcers can become infected and lead to amputation if left untreated.
Diabetes
It’s vital to see a podiatrist regularly if you have diabetes, because it can cause nerve damage and poor circulation. These effects can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and amputation problems and make it difficult to heal from an injury.
Foot Conditions
Foot conditions can worsen over time and cause pain, difficulty walking, and other problems. Visit a podiatry office you have any of the following:
- Flat feet – when the arches of the feet are too low
- High arches – when the arches of the feet are too high
- Bunion – a bony growth that forms on the side of the big toe
- Hammertoe – when a toe is bent at the top joint
- Heel spur – a bony growth that forms on the heel
- Neuroma – when there is a growth on a nerve
Mobility Or Balance Problems
Problems with mobility or balance could be a sign of an underlying medical problem or injury. It can make it difficult to walk or stand and could also be a sign of a severe condition. These issues can also affect the quality of your life, so it’s crucial to get them treated.
Foot Injuries
The feet are susceptible to many injuries, and even a minor injury can cause pain and swelling. You may sustain damage from sports, falls, or other accidents. If you have an injury, see a podiatrist as soon as possible to prevent aggravating your condition. Some examples of foot injuries include:
- Fracture – a break in a bone
- Sprain – a stretching or tearing of a ligament, the tissue that connects bones
- Strain – a stretching or tearing of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone
- Dislocation – when the bone moves out of place
- Achilles tendon rupture – a tear in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel
- Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue running from the heel to the toes
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome – causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the foot and affects the tarsal tunnel, the space in the foot where nerves and blood vessels pass
Expert Podiatry Office In Naples, FL
Your feet bear the brunt of your body weight every day, so it’s essential to take care of them. If you have any concerns or problems with your feet, it’s best to visit a podiatry office. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems, so you can keep your feet healthy.
We welcome you to the Joint Replacement Institute if you’re looking for a podiatry office in Naples, FL. We have highly experienced orthopedic specialists, like Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs and Dr. Brian Wallace, who can give you comprehensive care. You may call our friendly staff at (239) 261-2663 to learn more about our services. You may also use our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation. We look forward to helping you get back up on your feet!
