When You Should See a Podiatrist

Healthy feet are a fundamental part of a healthy body overall. Problems with your feet and ankles that are ignored can cause incapacitation for days, weeks, months, or years. Right after you become aware of a problem with your feet, you should consult a podiatrist. Dr. Jeff Harsch, our podiatrist in Lees Summit, MO from Foot & Ankle Clinic, specializes in and only treats foot and ankle injuries.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a highly trained physician who specializes in the treatment of feet and ankles. When you are suffering from a problem with your feet, a podiatrist will give you a more accurate diagnosis of the root of the problem than generalist doctors. If you are searching for a podiatrist in Lees Summit, MO, you need to look no further.

What Issues or Complaints Warrant a Visit to a Podiatrist?

Reasons to see a podiatrist are:

• Heel pain: Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, but other issues may be causing your heel pain, so it is essential to receive a formal diagnosis from a podiatrist 
• Trauma: Falling and spraining your ankle, dropping a heavy object on your foot, or being in a car accident that injures your foot or ankle are all reasons to visit a podiatrist.
• Sports injuries: Sports are universally loved, but they cause a lot of injuries. Overuse injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis are common in sports. An overuse injury is when the ligaments, tendons, or muscles surrounding the ankle and foot are overworked.
• Ingrown toenails: Easily treatable, but causes significant pain and discomfort if not promptly addressed.
• Hammertoes: This unnatural bend of the toe or toes must be addressed ASAP. It can begin as a mild, nagging annoyance. But, when not addressed immediately, it can progress quickly to a very painful condition requiring surgery.
• Bunions: Bunions are caused by dislocation of the big toe joint. This can lead to a very painful condition that causes a bump to develop on the inner portion of your foot where the base of the big toe meets the foot.
• Plantar warts: A virus causes plantar warts. Common in people who walk barefoot in swimming pools and locker rooms, some people that come into contact with this virus are lucky enough to host it for a while and it infects the skin. They may go away on their own, but it is wise to consult a podiatrist to ensure the elimination of warts.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Neuropathy disrupts nerve signals from the brain to the foot and vice versa. This often results in severe pain, tingling, or even numbness. Preventative care of the feet is imperative to prevent severe issues that can lead to amputation of the foot.

Contact Us

If you are experiencing any of the above complaints in Lees Summit, MO, a podiatrist visit is in order. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Harsch from Foot & Ankle Clinic by calling (816) 525-2405.