I broke my ankle about three years ago in a car accident. I followed all of the doctor's instructions as my ankle healed, but something didn't heal quite right. Two and a half years later, I was still having severe pain and my doctor couldn't figure out why. He suggested that I see a podiatrist to have it looked at more closely. It turns out that there is a lot more to an ankle injury than I had known. Scroll through my site to find out what can really happen to your ankle when it is broken and what could cause the pain to continue long after the injury is sustained.
Scared about visiting a foot specialist? You shouldn't be. Feet doctors have literally seen it all and won't be shocked by any issue you kick their way. It doesn't matter if you're dealing with a bunion, corn, callus, ingrown toenail, plantar wart, fungal infection, or smelly feet.
Your foot doctor has been professionally trained to handle all these conditions and others! To help you relax, this article discusses four things to expect during your first appointment with a foot specialist.
Thorough Medical History
Before anything else, your foot doctor will want to know your full medical history. This is so they can identify what may be causing or worsening your foot problems.
Be prepared with information about current and past medical problems, medications you have taken, past surgeries, health habits, and family history. Different foot doctors will use different means to obtain your medical history. Some may ask you to fill out a medical history form, while others may ask to see your medical records.
Discuss Your Foot Problems
Now that the podiatrist knows your medical history, they will focus on your current foot problem. Expect questions about when the problem started, the symptoms you are experiencing, medications you're currently taking, and any accompanying issues.
While most of the conversation will be centered on your feet, this is also the time to establish a rapport with your foot specialist. If your condition requires ongoing treatments, you're going to see each other quite a lot, so it's only right that you develop some friendship.
Physical Examination of the Foot
Your foot doctor will physically examine your feet to identify areas of concern. They will check if there are issues like corns, calluses, fungus, bunions, ingrown toenails, nail changes, and muscle weakness, among other things.
They will also check your heels and lower legs to see if there are circulation problems. You may even be asked to walk around as the doctor evaluates you for gait problems. And, if the podiatrist deems it necessary, they may recommend additional diagnostics like a bone scan, ultrasound scan, or MRI to check for any underlying issues.
Treatment and Prevention Recommendations
Based on your medical history and results from the diagnosis, your foot specialist will begin treatments. Depending on your condition, the treatments may include padding, footwear, inserts, medications, physical therapy, ulcer care, or surgery.
They may also refer you to other medical professionals if necessary. For example, if you have an issue with blood flow, the podiatrist may collaborate with a vascular specialist to give you the best possible care.
Additionally, your foot doctor may recommend lifestyle changes aimed at improving your feet' health. If your foot problem is caused by excess weight, they may recommend physical exercises and diet changes to alleviate your condition. And, if you have reduced blood flow to your feet or legs, they may recommend smoking cessation to manage the issue.
Visit a site like https://www.familyfootcenter.net/ for more information.
Share11 January 2022
