Consult a podiatrist when you have pain or other issues with your feet and ankles
Pain, swelling and instability in your feet can have a major impact on your activities and quality of life, and lead to additional health issues if they are not addressed. When your feet hurt or do not function properly, you are at greater risk of imbalance, falls and injuries. You may also become more sedentary — which can affect your strength, lifestyle and the aerobic exercise needed for your heart, lungs, bones, joints and internal organs.
Problems with your toes, toenails, heels and tissue, especially involving infections and malformations, can also cause pain and severe health issues.
Podiatrists help people with pain, injuries, infections and trauma, and those in need of diabetic foot care. They are trained to examine your feet and ankles, diagnose medical conditions and discuss your concerns with you. They will provide treatment options and refer you for additional care if needed.
Many people experience foot and ankle issues as they age, including:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Bone disorders
- Bunions
- Calluses
- Corns
- Cysts
- Discoloration
- Hammertoes
- Heel spurs
- Growths
- Infections
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sprains and strains
- Ulcers
- Other issues
Age is also a risk factor for more serious diseases that present in the feet.
“A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat your foot pain and other issues, and help provide tips and resources for improving your foot and ankle health and mobility,” said Nathan Sockrider, DPM, a ProHealth Medical Group podiatrist. “Our goal is to work closely with you to help get and keep you on your feet without surgery, if possible.”
Your plan of care may include a combination of exercise, rest, over-the-counter remedies and more advanced care. If surgery is needed, it’s important to know that foot and ankle surgery has advanced in recent years and now includes arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small incision to help speed healing and lessen scarring.
Keeping your feet and toes clean, toenails neatly trimmed and heels moisturized can go a long way to alleviating issues with your feet. Your pharmacist can help recommend gentle soaps, brushes and scrubbers, moisturizer, clippers, Epsom salts and other products to help you with the basics.
Well-fitting and supportive footwear is also essential for healthy feet. Your podiatrist and footwear retailers who specialize in supportive, high-quality shoes for people with foot and ankle concerns can discuss footwear comfort, fit and options with you.
Your podiatrist can also help you determine whether you would benefit from an over-the-counter orthotic aid such as bunion pads, toe separators or fabric braces. They can also recommend and help you obtain custom orthotics and other advanced care products, including those requiring prescriptions.
“Contact your doctor if you have recurring pain or swelling in your feet, sores, bruising or other tenderness,” said Tracy Coulter, DPM, a ProHealth Medical Group podiatrist. “Make an appointment for problems you have when walking, standing or sitting for a period of time. Your doctor can help diagnose and treat the condition, and refer you for other services such as physical therapy, wound care or home care, if you need it.”
Don’t ignore problems with your feet and ankles. Seek care when you need it and discuss your concerns. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding follow-up visits, tests, medications and treatment.
Nathan Sockrider, DPM, is a doctor of podiatric medicine and is board certified in foot surgery and reconstruction rearfoot and ankle surgery. Tracy Coulter, DPM, is a doctor of podiatric medicine and is board certified in foot surgery.
Visit ProHealthCare.org/Podiatry for more information about foot and ankle care at ProHealth Medical Group locations in Mukwonago, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha. Check with Medicare, Medicaid or your private insurer to confirm your individual coverage for foot and ankle care.
