How to Know When to See a Podiatrist

The human foot is one of the most complex areas of the body, even if it doesn’t look it at first. There are twenty-six bones in the foot, about a quarter of the bones that make up your entire body. And that’s not to mention joints, tendons, ligaments, more than 100 muscles, blood vessels, or skin.

With the foot being such an involved area, treating foot ailments can be tricky. Luckily, there’s a whole specialized field of medicine focused on keeping you on your feet. Read on to learn what podiatrists treat and when you should go see one.

What Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine who complete a 4-year program in medical school, followed by a residency program and sometimes a fellowship. They deal with ankles, heels, feet, arches, toes, toenails. They can manage everything from blisters, warts, and corns to ingrown toenails, heel pain, and complex foot injuries. Some podiatrists specialize in surgery, making them especially equipped to deal with chronic pain and acute injuries.

If you have almost any problem with your feet, a podiatrist can deal with it. Smelly feet, hammer toes, bunions, sprains, heel spurs – podiatrists see it all. Some focus on specific conditions, such as tumors, skin or nail diseases, or walking patterns.

Signs It’s Time to Visit a Podiatrist

If you have any of the conditions we listed above, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist. They can help you deal with sporting injuries, arthritis, ulcers, and even amputations and foot prosthetics. But there are also some less obvious reasons to visit a podiatrist.

If you find that you often have achy feet, a podiatrist may be able to help you. Podiatrists work to correct gait problems, so if you have lower back or hip pain, you should talk to a podiatrist. And diabetes often comes with circulatory complications that a podiatrist can help address to make sure you don’t later lose your feet.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

Podiatrists have a number of treatment options at their disposal. As we mentioned, some specialize in surgery, so for more serious injuries or amputations, they can get you the care you need.

For less dire cases, a podiatrist can take a look at the entire structure of your foot and figure out the best way to approach treatment. The foot is one of the most complex areas of the human body, so you want an expert addressing those issues.

See the Best Podiatrist

If you’ve been dealing with any foot-related problem, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as you can. They can make your working life more comfortable, help you get back in your favorite open shoes in time for summer, and generally make sure you’re healthier from the ground up. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers excellent sources to aid you in finding a great foot doctor. A great podiatrist should make you feel comfortable. They should listen to your concerns, have the ability to answer all of your questions and provide you with options.

If you’d like to make an appointment with the best podiatrist in Clifton, NJ or Wayne, NJ, reach out to us at Premier Podiatry. We treat everything from foot pain to ingrown toenails using the most advanced technologies and procedures in the field. Call or text our podiatry practice at (973) 315-5555 or schedule your appointment directly online.