Five reasons you should see a podiatrist (and not just when your feet hurt)

Overview: If you're having issues with your feet and ankles, you may want to see a podiatrist. Reasons vary, and it’s important not to delay care.

First off, you may wonder: What's a podiatrist? Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in your feet and ankles. Your feet are the foundation of your mobility and independence. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, managing a condition like diabetes or just want to stay active and injury-free, a podiatrist can help you put your best foot forward—literally.

Here are five reasons to see a podiatrist

1. Persistent foot or ankle pain: There are a range of reasons why you may have pain -- from overuse to arthritis. If you find your pain is limiting mobility, then it’s time to see a podiatrist to diagnose and treat the issue.
2. Heel pain: This may be a common condition called plantar fasciitis that causes sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially when you first get out of bed in the morning. A podiatrist can offer you a treatment plan to end the pain.
3. Bunions, hammertoes or deformities: These foot conditions cause pain and discomfort when you’re active. A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe joint, and a hammertoe is a condition where the middle joint of a toe bends down like a hammer. Treatment by a podiatrist may involve wearing orthotics, or in some cases, surgery.
4. Continued chronic ankle pain can lead to instability. Your Podiatry team can further evaluate and diagnose joint, ligament, and/or tendon issues that are preventing you from getting back to activities. Treatments include bracing, exercises, formalized physical therapy, injections and advanced imaging. Sometimes there’s also a need for surgical treatment when conservative options fail.
5. Diabetes foot concerns: If you have diabetes, there's a range of foot concerns you may have, such as ulcers and infections. This is primarily due to nerve damage and poor blood circulation. Podiatrists are often part your diabetes care team.

In general, if something doesn’t seem right with your feet and ankles, from the way they look to the way they feel, it could be a good time to see a podiatrist. Think you might need to see a podiatrist? Schedule a consultation today.

Step into relief

What will a podiatrist do for me?

At your initial visit, the podiatrist will ask about your overall health and review any medications you’re taking. They'll ask about your symptoms and when they started and then examine you. Depending on your symptoms, there are other things they may review, including:

• How you stand and walk to assess your gait.
• What shoes you wear most often.
• What work and other activities you do that may stress your feet and ankles.

If you have diabetes, a podiatrist will examine your toes, feet and legs and check for any numbness. Additionally, they’ll likely ask you how you’re managing your glucose levels.

Once the podiatrist makes a diagnosis, they may:

• Order further labs or imaging tests.
• Prescribe medicine or medical devices (orthotics).
• Offer you a treatment plan to do at home, such as ice, rest, compression and exercises to help you recover.
• Suggest mobility aid devices, like a cane or walker.
• Recommend surgery.

Don't delay

See a podiatrist before trying to treat foot problems on your own, . Like most health issues, when you experience symptoms, it's important to see your doctor earlier than later. 

While issues with your feet aren't usually life-threatening, delaying an exam could make a minor issue much worse in the long run. Take the time to investigate any issues with your feet and stay connected to your health with MyChart.

This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.