When Should You Visit a Podiatrist?

Let’s face it. No one likes going to the doctor’s office. In fact, you may even put off treatment for an injury until you can no longer bear it before you cave in and make an appointment.

When it comes to your feet, the “wait it out until it gets better approach” can lead to bigger problems, especially if you think the ailment is not as bad as it really is.

While you may try at-home remedies like R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation), over-the-counter medications and stretching techniques, some foot and ankle problems won’t respond and will need to be looked at by a podiatrist immediately.

The podiatrists at Triad Foot Center have compiled a list of signs for when you should make an immediate appointment to a visit a podiatrist:

• Numbness, Burning or Tingling: If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be an early sign of diabetes. Numbness, burning or tingling are symptoms of a nerve disorder called peripheral neuropathy.
• Discoloration: If your foot appears discolored, you may be suffering from an infection, dead tissue, lack of circulation or other serious issues.
• Wound Not Healing: If you have a wound that will not heal, you may be suffering from a more serious condition, infection, poor circulation or diabetic symptoms.
• Pain in Feet When Elevated: If you experience pain in your feet while your legs are elevated or even when you’re lying in bed, it could mean you are suffering from circulation problems or decreased blood flow. 
• Swelling and Pain: Swelling in your foot could be a result of an array of conditions, which should be looked at by a podiatrist.
• Development of Deformity: If you notice a hammer toe, bunion or a boney prominence forming, you should have it evaluated by a podiatrist immediately. Early intervention is key preventing the condition from becoming worse.

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important that you are evaluated by a podiatrist immediately. Click here to request an appointment with one of the podiatrists at Triad Foot Center or call any of our three convenient locations in the Piedmont Triad

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.