Did you know you can walk around 100,000 miles in a lifetime? Yet most people don’t think about taking care of their feet until they hurt.
Here is an interesting fact: New Yorkers walk a lot. And with the busy lifestyle, especially in Manhattan, walking and standing are very common. So, foot pain rarely arises all at once. It starts quietly, sometimes from the morning stiffness or with the regular movements till the end of the day. Most people don’t see it as a big deal and keep moving. That’s usually the mistake.
The city is built for walking. However, those small foot problems arising from a casual walk can become worse quickly.
What feels like a minor inconvenience can turn into a persistent foot and ankle pain or even long-term damage if not treated on time. Most serious situations seen by a foot doctor start with the symptoms that people ignore.
What A Foot Doctor Actually Does?
A podiatrist is a medical specialist. They are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the feet and ankles. They can provide –
- Physical examination and assessment
- Diagnostic tests
- Custom orthotics
- Medical and surgical treatments
- Solutions for chronic foot conditions.
Podiatrists at Pro Foot Doctors in Manhattan work with patients of all ages to provide the needed care.
What Are The Risk Factors That Can Make You See a Foot Doctor?
When you have certain health conditions, including –
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- Poor blood circulation
- Heart disease and stroke
Mostly, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of foot problems. So, they need to pay close attention if they experience any change in how their feet feel. The best way is to keep a journal of all signs and symptoms related to your feet.
Let your podiatrist know if you have any of these symptoms –
- calluses or hard skin
- dry or cracked skin
- a bad foot smell
- cracked or dry toenails
- sharp or burning pain
- ulcers or sore
- tenderness
- pain in the lower legs when you walk
What Are The Signs That Show It’s Time to See a Podiatrist?
You’re an Athlete
Running or playing frequently can put stress on your feet and ankles. Even if you are healthy and an experienced player, sometimes your feet develop an issue that doesn’t resolve with only rest.
Some of the common running-related concerns include –
- Stress fractures
- Heel and arch pain
- Achilles tendon strain
- Toenail injuries
You are Diabetic
Diabetes can increase the risk of foot complications due to less circulations and nerve damage. Even small problems can develop quickly without proper care. Foot-related diabetes concerns can include –
- Loss of sensation (neuropathy)
- Skin breakdown and ulcers
- Increased risk of toenail infection
- Slow-healing cuts or blisters
Your Ingrown Toenails Are Causing You Pain
Ingrown toenails sound like a minor inconvenience, but they can become very painful and infected if you do not treat them on time. How? You may experience:
- Redness or swelling
- Drainage
- Pain when wearing shoes
- Recurrent ingrown nails
Heel Pain is Affecting Your Life Quality
Heel pain is among the common reasons people visit a foot and ankle doctor. The pain is –
- Worst when you take the first steps in the morning.
- Walk after long periods of standing
- Limits daily exercise.
It can become worse and affect mobility and quality of life. So, you need to take early action to improve outcomes.
Why Should You See A Podiatrist?
When you experience a sharp pain or an injury in any part of your foot, you might need to see either your family doctor or a podiatrist nearby. In fact, physical therapy can also help ease your symptoms.
Your family doctor or general care physician can examine your foot to find out the reason for your pain. Some of the tests and scans for foot pain can include –
- Blood test
- Nail Swab
- MRI scan
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
Call our professionals at (516) 980-4392 to schedule an appointment for foot care and diagnosis in Manhattan and Far Rockaway!
Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases can podiatrists treat?
A podiatrist can treat the most serious conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower legs.
What does podiatric mean?
Podiatric Medicine is the specialty of medical sciences. It deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and leg disorders. And, it’s done by using medical and surgical means.
How is a doctor different from a podiatrist?
Podiatrists use D.P.M. before their names. They treat lower leg and foot-related issues. However, physicians and surgeons use M.D. Their job is to diagnose and treat problems affecting the entire body.
What is the other name of a podiatrist?
A podiatrist is also known as a chiropodist. And, the name is especially used in the UK and older contexts.
Can a podiatrist recommend surgery?
Yes, in some cases. If other treatment options are not working, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to treat bone spurs.
