When to Get Help for Your Aching Feet
By Kipp Henning, DPM Colorado Springs Health Partners, PC, Colorado Springs LIVIGN WELL Magazine
Our feet and ankles provide the base for all of our movement, so we notice when they bother us! When the typical rest, ice, anti-inflammatory regimen doesn’t take care of your symptoms, these are some reasons you may need to see a podiatrist.
Physical Condition
Any changes in the look or feel of your feet are signs that something is not normal and evaluation is needed. For example:
Foot Discoloration
A Lump or Bump that Grows or Hurts
Arch of One Foot Flattens
A Mole that Changes
Severe Pain Lasting more than 24 Hours
Ingrowing Toenails
Diabetes Related Conditions
Having diabetes affects your body’s ability to heal and not managing diabetes effectively can lead to various problems with your feet, including:
A Wound or Sore That Does Not Heal
Numbness, Burning and Tingling
A Deformity that Progresses Suddenly
Chronic Conditions
Disease and genetic problems with the feet also indicate a need for a podiatrist to follow your care. The podiatrist can help reduce the discomfort and lifestyle impact of different conditions.
Heel Pain
Bunions
Hammertoes
Arthritis
Foot Pain with Legs Elevated
Injury related issues
Foot and ankle injuries, whether they just occurred or happened at some point in the past, are reason to seek care from a podiatrist.
Pain and Swelling in One Foot
Pain That Increases with Activity
Ankle Instability
No matter what the issue, the best way to manage a foot and ankle problem is to:
- Get care early
- Become informed about your condition and how to manage it
- Be vigilant in identifying changes or discomfort in your feet and ankles
A doctor of podiatric medicine is specially trained and certified in conditions of the foot ankle. He or she is there to identify your problems and recommend your best options for solving them.
