Day after day, your feet support your weight and make movement possible. Despite their importance in everyday life, it’s easy to overlook your foot health. Even when experiencing pain, how often have you just put your feet up to rest rather than visit a foot doctor? If you experience foot pain, it’s usually best to go in for a consultation.
If you’re looking to take better care of your feet, the first step is to get checked by a podiatrist. A foot doctor is an expert in podiatry: the study of the complex musculoskeletal structures in your feet.
Read on to discover the health benefits of visiting a podiatry office.
Get Accurate Diagnoses
Your feet are vulnerable to a broad range of injuries and conditions because of the repetitive stress they experience every day. These can range from conditions visible on the surface of your feet, like corns and calluses, to repetitive stress disorders like plantar fasciitis and shin splints, among many others.
Not all foot problems can be identified without a foot doctor’s expertise. Furthermore, using incorrect treatment methods may make your foot problems worse. Getting an accurate diagnosis at a podiatry clinic ensures you’ll know the correct steps toward treating your foot problems.
If you suspect you may have sustained a musculoskeletal injury, the best thing you can do is refrain from self-diagnosis. A podiatrist can run the necessary tests, like an X-ray, to look inside your foot and determine the specific condition or injury you have, as well as the extent of the damage.
Receive Proper Treatment
While there are home remedies for some foot and ankle issues, a podiatrist is better able to administer proper treatment with greater precision. They can accurately diagnose your condition and design the appropriate treatment plan.
If you have foot pain due to ingrown toenails, for example, you don’t want to remove the affected nail on your own and risk hurting yourself. There’s a risk you may slow your recovery or do more harm than good. When in doubt, it’s best to check in with a professional. A podiatrist can determine a suitable treatment that gets you back up and running in no time.
Receive Preventive Foot Care
Beyond administering treatment for acute injuries and conditions, a podiatrist can also give practical foot care tips to prevent problems from manifesting in the first place. For example, several foot conditions are caused by improper or ill-fitting footwear. If you wear heels for long hours in a day, you may face a higher risk of bunions, corns and calluses, and toe deformities.
A podiatrist can perform a physical inspection of your feet and check if your shoes may be contributing to foot pain. They can recommend footwear that matches your activity level and lifestyle. Moreover, they can share practical tips to help you take better care of your feet and recommend specific stretches to strengthen the musculoskeletal structures.
One option that your podiatrist may recommend is orthotics or shoe inserts that can help treat foot-related disorders. While you can buy orthotics from the store, custom orthotics based on the unique mold of your feet provide more targeted support.
Receive Diabetic Foot Care
If you have diabetes, you should make it a point to visit your podiatrist frequently. A diabetic individual is susceptible to foot problems due to poor blood circulation.
Diabetes can damage the nerves over time, causing a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. When this condition progresses, you might gradually lose feeling in your feet. Without pain, you will not be able to detect when something is amiss, like a wound or a cut. If left untreated, a minor foot wound may develop into an infection. If the infection spreads, it could cause significant tissue damage and even limb loss.
These benefits are why a podiatrist is a critical part of a diabetic’s healthcare team. Even if you’re not feeling any pain or discomfort in your feet, it’s worth checking in with your podiatrist for routine checkups.
Top-Notch Podiatry in Naples FL
If you’re looking for podiatry in Naples, FL, look no further than the Joint Replacement Institute today. Our highly skilled orthopedic specialists can diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Depending on your condition, our providers can devise a treatment plan that takes your needs into careful consideration.
Call us today at (239) 261-BONE (2663) to schedule an appointment with our podiatrists. Alternatively, you can fill out our online appointment request form. Let us help you stay moving forward in life!
