A podiatrist takes care of one of the most overlooked parts of our bodies: Our feet. You hardly notice them as they support your entire body weight on your morning run, or as you wait in line at the grocery store. But once they start hurting, they can change your way of life.
That is why podiatrists recommend prompt treatment for that pesky little foot problem before it grows into a nightmarish condition. Once you are face to face with a foot specialist, this is what you should ask.
Here are some good questions patients should ask during their podiatry appointment:
This is simply the patient asking their doctor for a diagnosis. The podiatrist will be in a better position to answer this question after they have all the information they need to form a diagnosis. The patient should be prepared to provide the doctor with some information, including a description of the symptoms they have experienced over a period of time and answering any questions that the doctor may have. The patient should be ready to provide a comprehensive medical history, including medical conditions and any medication they may be taking. The podiatrist will perform a visual exam of the foot, along with any other tests that may be needed. Once the podiatrist has all the relevant information, they will form a diagnosis, allowing them to properly answer the patient's question.
A medical condition is often a result of something else. It could be a behavior, a lifestyle or another medical condition. Once the foot doctor gives a diagnosis, the patient should find out the contributing factors and underlying causes of the problem.
This information will help the patient remove the cause of the problem and prevent a recurrence. By learning how the foot condition occurred in the first place, the patient will get a better idea of how to treat their foot.
A podiatrist will follow a diagnosis with a treatment plan. Patients should feel confident enough to ask the doctor how each medication or therapy plays a part in treating and restoring the foot. The more familiar the patient is with the treatment plan, the more likely they are to stick to it. The podiatrist let the patient know of any necessary follow-up appointments.
It is wise to try and avoid a foot problem from happening a second or third time. Patients should ask their doctor for guidance on how to keep feet healthy. Many foot problems can be prevented with simple measures like:
Without feet, you would have a hard time getting around, so make sure to take good care of them! If you have pain in your foot, seek treatment from a podiatrist before it gets worse. Do not wait to see if the issue will resolve itself.
We offer routine checkups and foot care for people with health conditions that put their feet at risk. Come and see us if you are interested in our services.
Request an appointment here: https://www.pocatellopodiatry.com or call Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic at (208) 803-0010 for an appointment in our Pocatello office.
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