Foot and Ankle Problems: When To See a Podiatrist

If you have had foot, heel or toe pain for some time but you haven’t seen a doctor, or if you have a foot injury, you may be undecided about calling a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Don’t be! Please call us, we are here to help! Most foot and ankle problems will only get worse if you ignore them.

A podiatrist is a medical specialist who can help with problems of the feet or lower legs. Podiatrists treat injuries as well as deformities, skin problems and complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes.

When To Call a Podiatrist for Help

First of all, if you have diabetes, it’s important to get professional help right away if you notice any change to your feet or if you have any foot pain. Stay away from home remedies or over-the-counter products as these may cause further harm.

For anyone, these are examples when you should seek a podiatrist’s help for a foot or ankle problem:

Ankle sprain. The ankle will be swollen and painful. First try the R.I.C.E. method of resting, icing, using a compression bandage and elevating the foot. If after 2 days of resting the ankle is still painful and it is difficult to walk, please call us. You may have a more serious injury that requires immobilization, crutches, physical therapy, and perhaps even surgery.

Corns and calluses. These skin problems result from friction or pressure on the tops and sides of the toes or the sole of the foot. Keep the skin supple by moisturizing daily and gently rub the hard skin away with a pumice stone. Switching to well-fitting shoes with lots of toe room can help ease the pressure. See your podiatrist if these become painful and interfere with walking.

Heel pain. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the sole of your feet, is the most common source of heel pain. Standing on your feet for long periods, wearing improper shoes or overpronation are common causes of this painful condition. For persistent heel pain, seek a podiatrist’s care. We will determine the cause of your pain and devise a treatment plan for your specific needs.

Ingrown toenail. This painful condition results when a corner of a toenail grows into the skin. You will feel pain especially when wearing shoes and may notice signs of infection. Try easing out the corner of the toenail with a small piece of cotton to let it grow properly. Please give us a call if you notice swelling or discharge or if the pain persists. We can remove part of the nail permanently so the problem won’t happen again.

Let Us Help with Your Foot or Ankle Pain

The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Matthew Tshudy is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices in Hartford County, conveniently located in Enfield and South Windsor, CT.