4 Basic Signs That You Should See a Podiatrist

You have to take good care of your feet and legs, and doing so sometimes involves seeing a podiatrist for your various issues. Some people aren't sure of when to schedule an appointment with a foot doctor, but if any—or all—of these basic signs apply to you, it's time to call a podiatrist.

1. Swelling

Swelling in the ankles or feet might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually be the sign of a host of different problems. Although you probably won't want to panic if your ankles are a little bit swollen after a long day of walking or standing, you shouldn't ignore the problem if the swelling doesn't go down relatively quickly. This is because swollen feet or ankles could be a sign of a sprained ankle, an infection, a blood clot, or another serious issue. You should especially take swelling seriously if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

2. Issues with Standing or Walking

If you have never had trouble standing or walking but are suddenly having trouble with one or both, it is worth it to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. You may have an issue with your feet that you are unaware of and that needs to be addressed. Even in simple cases, your doctor can talk to you about orthopedic shoes and other options that can help make standing and walking easier and more comfortable for you.

3. Redness

Redness in your feet could be a sign of poor circulation, which can be quite dangerous, or could be a sign of diabetes-related problems. Although you probably will not want to panic over a little bit of redness, you shouldn't ignore the problem if it is ongoing or severe, even if you aren't experiencing any discomfort.

4. Chronic or Increasing Pain

Chronic pain in your feet or pain that has been getting progressively worse over the past few days or weeks is nothing to sneeze at. Along with checking for potential health concerns that you might not be aware of, your foot doctor can talk to you about pain management options, such as physical therapy, orthopedic shoes, or pain medication. This can help bring you some relief, which is important when you are suffering from such serious pain.

As you can see, there are some situations in which you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. If any of these four things apply to you, now is the time to call a local foot doctor to find out more about setting an appointment. Call an establishment like Center for Foot Care or another in your area to get started.