While many people don’t comprehend this, foot and ankle issues can affect your quality of life. Typically, we all rely on our feet to undertake our daily tasks, and when they are impacted negatively, it means there will be a drastic shift in our productivity. Although many factors can lead to foot and ankle problems, chronic medical conditions and injuries are the major ones. However, Dr. Joseph Fleck Colorado Springs services will help alleviate your condition in case of foot and ankle complications. But how do you know you need to see a podiatrist soon? Here are the top six reasons you should book an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist.
1. Joint pain in your feet or ankles
Although several factors can cause foot and ankle pain, arthritis is the most common. You should immediately see your podiatrist if the joints in your feet are red, swollen, stiff, or tender. Arthritis of the joints is a severe condition that can cause your joints to become deformed and, if left untreated, can also lead to disability. A specialist will examine your condition and provide appropriate treatments to preserve your joint health, thus making it easier to function comfortably.
2. Heel pain that limits your activities
Heel pain can occur due to several reasons. If the tendon that connects your heels become inflamed, or you have a heel spur, chances are high, you can experience heel pain. Although heel pain may come and go, you should seek podiatrist help if the pain persists for a long. In such a case, the foot and ankle specialist will examine your foot condition through X-rays before providing a treatment plan.
3. Stubborn ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a severe foot condition that usually affects the big toe and can even affect your mobility. Furthermore, this condition can cause infection, especially if ignored for a while. If your toenail has many drainages and is red, you should seek specialist help for diagnosis and treatments. Depending on the severity of your condition, your podiatrist will either remove that part of the toenail or prescribe you medications for the infected area.
4. Painful bunions
Typically, bunions are bumps at the base of your big toenail. Typically, it occurs when the joint or bone of your big toe is out of place. If ignored, bunions worsen and affect your ability to walk or wear shoes. However, your podiatrist can recommend surgery or treatments like padding, taping, or medications during severe cases.
5. Suspected sprain, strain, or broken bones
If you’re an athlete or engage in specific physical activities, chances are high that you can suffer a sprain, strain, or broken bones. However, foot and ankle specialists are experts in alleviating your situation regardless of the cause. First, they will diagnose your injury before suggesting treatments. If you experience trouble walking, redness, swelling, or increased pain after an injury, you should seek a podiatrist’s help immediately.
6. You need foot surgery
Although surgery is among the options available with a podiatrist, it’s the last treatment option a specialist can recommend for you. However, if your condition calls for a surgical procedure, a podiatrist can professionally perform it on your foot and ankle. Conditions like recurring ingrown toenails, bunions, and broken bones may require surgery, especially in their worst stages.
It would be best if you didn’t overlook the need to visit your podiatrist often, as it goes in handy with protecting your overall well-being. Also, specialist care allows your podiatrist to catch and treat foot and ankle conditions before they cause severe consequences. Please don’t ignore that slight discomfort in your feet or ankle since they can birth a significant problem. Your help is just a call away!