The decision to visit a podiatrist can be made when you understand what a podiatrist treats. Broadly, a podiatrist treats several foot and ankle conditions. The range of the treatment they provide includes arthritis, sports injury, joint pain, foot skin issues, etc.
In Australian cities, including Sydney, only registered podiatrists are allowed to offer treatment. And usually, a podiatrist in Sydney may have any of the following types of registration: general, specialist, limited, non-practising, and student. So, you can choose a doctor according to the nature and severity of your problem.
But here lies a question: when should you visit a podiatrist? This article has enlisted ten signs that tell you to consult an experienced doctor for your foot or ankle problems.
Foot Numbness, Pain, and Swelling
Having sore or swollen feet occasionally is not threatening. For instance, after running a long distance, feeling numbness, pain, or swelling is expected. But if you suddenly feel pain, numbness, or swelling in your foot without any reason, you should immediately visit a podiatrist.
Foot Nail Fungus
The growing number of nail salons in Sydney has rapidly increased the cases of fungal infection. If you leave it untreated, it will make the nails thicker and fade the nails’ colour. Moreover, it may spread to other toenails.
Long-Term Heel Pain
Many reasons can work behind heel pain, and a podiatrist needs to identify the reason that causes your heel pain to treat it. X-rays are performed to diagnose the problem so that treatment can be provided accordingly.
Sprained/Broken Ankle or Foot
Most people think of visiting an orthopedist when they sprain or break an ankle or foot. However, a podiatrist has a better understanding of sprained or cracked feet. Therefore, seeing a podiatrist is a wise decision in such cases.
Frequent Attack of Athlete’s Foot
The athlete’s foot is one of the common fungal infections, and generally, doctors prescribe creams or sprays to treat it. But if it keeps coming back frequently, the doctor may consider a more effective medication.
Diabetes Triggered Problems
People who are experiencing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop foot problems, such as poor circulation, inflammation, nerve damage, or ulcers. Hence, diabetic patients must visit a podiatrist once a year to avoid any complications.
Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail is a common issue, but if you try to remove it on your own, you might be inviting danger. Always depend on the professional when it comes to removing an ingrown toenail. You don’t need to remove the toenail always, since sometimes, medication can soften the hardened skin so that you can easily take it off the foot.
Bunions
If you develop a bump on the surface of your big toe joint, it is called a bunion. When the bunion gets larger, you may experience tremendous pain. The doctor will prescribe an X-ray to identify the exact reason and suggest medication considering the X-ray report.
Painful Calluses (Corns)
Sometimes dead skin gives birth to calluses or corns. These issues may look insignificant, but sometimes they can cause tremendous pain. Podiatrists can take off the hardened skin to reduce the pain, and if it is not severe, they can suggest medication as well.
Pain in the Foot or Ankle Joint
Many people ignore pain in the foot or ankle joints and treat it themselves by taking anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. In some cases, joint pain can take a severe form if ignored. Therefore, consulting a doctor is the best option, as they can find out what is causing the pain. Once the reason is identified, treating it would become easier.
If you are experiencing any of the indications discussed above, you should immediately look for an efficient podiatrist in Sydney. Remember that ignorance of these symptoms may lead you to critical conditions.