4 Signs It Is Time to Book an Appointment With a Podiatrist
Foot and leg problems can be irritating, especially if you always have a busy schedule. When you get toe issues, ankle pain, swelling or other lower foot problems, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist to help you function naturally. The foot specialist will do a comprehensive assessment of your painful legs and provide the best treatment and management strategies that will solve the underlying issues.
Once the specialist diagnoses the problem causing pain on your legs, they may opt to do surgery to ensure that you get healthy and back on your feet. Here are vital signs that should trigger you to seek podiatric assistance as fast as possible:
Numbness
Numbness or swelling of the lower part of your legs requires immediate podiatric attention. It is not advisable to leave your numb legs unattended because it may be as a result of serious problems, including damaged nerves or leg fractures. The foot specialist will diagnose the cause of numbness or swelling and offer the best treatment options to help you walk naturally.
Excessive Pain
Never ignore persistent stiffness or pain in your lower extremities. For instance, if you feel a sharp pain on your ankles, it may be as a result of arthritis, which is a common problem affecting adults in recent times. You need to seek help from a podiatric professional to recommend the most appropriate treatment plans that will get rid of the ongoing pain or stiffness.
Diabetic Foot Complications
If you have diabetes, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with an experienced podiatrist. Diabetes is a severe illness that prolongs the healing process of many infections. The disease also minimises sensation and flow of blood in the lower parts of your legs. A podiatrist will assess your legs and provide personalised diabetic foot care treatment and management options.
Fungal Infection
If your toes get fungal infections, you will experience difficulties when walking. Although there are various home-based treatment remedies for such issues, it is essential to consult a podiatrist, especially if they persist. If you leave fungi on your toes unattended, your nails are likely to get discoloured.
Therefore, no matter how minor the issues affecting your lower extremities appear, it is advisable to seek help from a reliable foot specialist. A podiatrist will address your foot problems professionally and offer suitable and long-term treatment and management plans that will help you carry out your daily activities without experiencing any foot problems.