When It’s Time to See a Podiatrist, According to Our South Park Foot Doctor

It can sometimes be difficult to know whether a foot problem merits a visit to a general practitioner, or a foot and ankle specialist. Below are four key indications that you should visit a local podiatrist, not a general doctor.

Foot discolorations

If one foot is a lot different color than the other, there may be a problem. Unusual redness may be an indication of an infection or gout, and purple or blue might indicate a problem with blood flow. Unusual pallor (paleness) could be a sign of decreased flow. Any of these shades is a sign of something seriously wrong, meaning it’s time to see your podiatrist.

Numbness or tingling

If you feel a numb or tingling “pins and needles” feeling in your foot, this could be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, a long-term complication of diabetes that affects the nerves of the body. Undiagnosed diabetic neuropathy left untreated puts you at increased risk of developing foot ulcers, so if you experience these symptoms, be sure to see a podiatrist right away.

Pain or swelling in one foot

If you have pain and swelling (edema) in one foot and not the other, this is not normal. There are many problems that could be causing the pain and swelling, such as a broken bone, tendonitis, a tendon rupture, or an infection. If the pain and swelling is in both feet and ankles, it could be an indication of lymphedema. In any case, it’s important to see a foot and ankle physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Need a South Park foot or ankle doctor? Visit Ryan Foot & Ankle Clinic

Podiatrists are medically and surgically qualified to treat feet and ankle conditions, including arthritis pain, bunions, calluses and corns, diabetes complications, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, and more. Additionally, they treat patients with foot and ankle complications related to obesity, diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease. If you are searching for a South Park podiatrist, be sure to give us a call.