Unless you’ve been managing a chronic foot condition for some time, you may not think about making an appointment with a podiatrist for everyday issues. However, the specialized care that these foot doctors offer is hard to find from other medical professionals. Below are a few common problems that benefit from a visit with a podiatrist. 

5 Foot Problems That Require a Podiatrist Appointment  

1. Injury 

Due to the incredible amount of impact they endure every day, feet are subject to all sorts of injuries, especially among athletes. If you have a severely sprained ankle, torn Achilles tendon, or broken bone, it’s essential to seek out emergency care. You might not notice these issues right away, so if you experience pain while walking, increased swelling, numbness, or disfigurement, see a podiatrist for a professional diagnosis. These specialists provide immediate treatment and oversee recovery to restore your mobility.

2. Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common reasons people make appointments with a podiatrist. Characterized by tender and swollen tips of the toes, this condition occurs when the toenail grows incorrectly under the skin. Podiatrists can carefully remove the toenail to help prevent or treat an infection.

3. Deformities

Bunions and hammertoes are two common deformities typically caused by ill-fitting footwear that gradually irritates joints and destabilizes the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet. In addition to affecting the appearance of the foot, these conditions cause pain and worsen over time. Podiatrists assess the extent of the problem and offer restorative treatments, such as shoe inserts, toe spacers, soft tissue release, and surgery.

4. Flat Feet

Over time, tendons lose their elasticity and cause arches to fall. If you have fallen arches, seek podiatric care to prevent chronic pain problems that are associated with flat soles. They may prescribe custom orthotics to give the arch the lift it needs to comfortably support your body.

5. Diabetes Complications

Diabetes can lead to nerve damage that may cause a loss of sensation in feet—including injuries. If you injure your foot or develop sores, diabetes may make it more difficult for your body to fight off a developing infection. It’s critical to visit a podiatric specialist for proactive diabetic foot care to prevent these complications.

Should you experience these or any other foot problems, Dr. Sam T. Wood at St. Peters Foot & Ankle offers the comprehensive care you need to find relief and prevent further complications. This experienced podiatrist of Florissant and St. Peters, MO, is equipped with state-of-the-art resources to address a wide range of foot health concerns in a convenient and comfortable manner. You can learn more about available services on his website. Call (314) 921-1020 to schedule an appointment at the Florissant clinic or (636) 720-0190 to reach the St. Peters location.