Things to Expect at a Podiatrist Appointment

The human foot has more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments made of flexible fibrous tissues that help with mobility and movement. In fact, a myriad of parts, such as toes and heels, work together to get individuals from one place to another. As a result, it increases the high risk of injuries and many other foot problems. People with such symptoms need to consult podiatrists and develop an ideal treatment plan to recover from their conditions as quickly as possible. 

Common problems 

·         Athlete’s foot 

Funguses grow in warm and moist environments. It can inflame the skin and cause scaly rashes with red bases. Itching, burning, and peeling are some noticeable symptoms of an athlete’s foot. 

·         Hammertoes 

Ill-fitting shoes cause the formation of hammertoes. Most people notice their second or third toes bent in the middle or joint. When these defects press against the inside of shoes, it may lead to corns and calluses. 

·         Bunions 

These bunions are bony bumps at the base of joints. Bunions result from congenital deformities, arthritis, trauma, and heredity. This condition will exacerbate by wearing high heels and constrictive footwear. 

·         Plantar fasciitis 

It is a painful disorder that occurs when the plantar fascia tissues inflame or even torn down. People with plantar fasciitis experience pain and stiffness during daily mobility. They need to consult with podiatrists to treat the condition. 

Procedural phases 

For their appointment with doctors, patients can expect several proceedings. 

·         Initial examination 

Patients must fill in a medical history report upon their arrival. They ask questions about current foot problems, bodily conditions, and medications. Moreover, podiatrists will also examine habits related to the feet and prepare a questionnaire based on these factors. 

·         Physical evaluation 

Specialists will examine feet and check for any signs like fungus, corns, bunions, or warts. They will identify symptoms of discoloration or brittleness in toenails. Some patients will have poor blood circulation in their lower legs, so clinical evaluation is crucial. 

·         Treatment 

As the last step, podiatrists will provide suggestions for medications or treatments to treat foot problems. This prompt intervention helps patients recover as quickly as possible.