Getting podiatry work does not have to intimidate you. If you are suffering from foot pain or a condition in your feet or ankles, a podiatrist can provide relief. This doctor will use various methods to diagnose and treat your ailments. The more you understand about these processes, the more comfortable you can feel when it is time to visit with the doctor.
Not every ache and pain in the feet requires a trip to the foot doctor. People can solve some issues themselves. However, in more serious, prolonged cases, it may make sense to get an assessment at the podiatrist’s office. Severe fractures or sprains are common conditions that the doctor will treat. Also, patients with diabetes may consider this type of care, especially if they start to lose feeling in the legs and feet. Other problems such as infections, growths and swelling are good reasons to see this doctor.
At an initial appointment at the podiatry office, the patient will discuss their symptoms with the doctor. The person will explain how long the pain and discomfort have been happening and what areas of the foot it is affecting. The patient may also give other details such as whether the condition makes it difficult to stand, walk or perform other activities. The doctor will then look at the foot for visible signs of damage. The doctor may also take X-rays in order to make an accurate diagnosis of the problem.
In more mild cases of foot issues, the doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication or other remedies. Certain exercises might help relieve irritation and pain. Some patients may benefit from staying off the foot or by doing stretches or other therapy.
If home solutions are not effective, the podiatrist might have to prescribe drugs to correct the issue. Some medications can reduce pain while others may eliminate inflammation or swelling. At subsequent follow-up podiatry appointments, the doctor may have to adjust the person’s dosage or change to a different prescription.
Some foot conditions will require surgery to repair the damage. A severe fracture, for example, may not heal without invasive procedures to reset the bone or to use pins. Other advanced dysfunctions may respond well to operations.
Regardless of the individual’s foot issues, the doctor will regularly follow up with the patient to check progress. Sometimes, the podiatrist may combine surgery with a medication regimen. The frequency of doctor’s appointments will depend on the severity of the person’s foot damage. For some patients, care is ongoing.
It can be challenging to live with constant pain in the feet or ankles. When the feelings become unbearable or get in the way of the quality of life you want, get the right treatment. A podiatry office near you can evaluate your feet and determine the type of assistance you need to recover and manage the symptoms. Make an appointment today so you can move forward and have the health and wellness you want.
Get more information about Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic in Pocatello at https://www.pocatellopodiatry.com.
Check out what others are saying about our podiatrist services on Yelp: Podiatry in Pocatello, ID.
