Wondering if you could benefit from turning to a foot doctor?
Our feet are the foundation for our bodies and our ability to stay in motion, so the health of our feet says a lot about our health in general. After all, some foot and ankle problems may be a sign of more severe health issues. Unfortunately, most people don’t consider the health of their feet until a problem occurs; however, our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Niceville, FL, podiatrists Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, want to change that by educating patients. Here are some reasons you may want to consider seeing a podiatrist,
You Have Foot Pain
Most people will deal with foot pain at some point during their lifetime, and while minor pain will often go away on its own, there are times when foot pain is caused by a larger issue such as a bunion, hammertoe, ulcer or sprain. You should schedule an appointment with our podiatrists if the pain is,
- Severe
- Accompanied by fever, numbness, weakness or tingling
- Not getting better with at-home care
- Getting worse despite rest
You Have Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, a podiatrist is one of the most important doctors you can add to your team. Our foot and ankle specialists can provide comprehensive checkups and care to prevent complications such as ulcers and nerve damage. If you notice any changes in the appearance or health of your feet, it’s essential that you have a foot doctor that you can turn to immediately.
An Infected Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail (usually the big toenail) grows into the skin. This results in pain and swelling around the affected toenail. While the problem will often clear up on its own, it’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs of an ingrown toenail,
- Severe pain and swelling
- Pus draining around the nail
- Intense pressure on the toe
- Bleeding
You Think You Might Have a Bunion
If you notice a bulging lump sticking out at the base of the big toe, this could be a sign of a bunion, a common foot deformity that can cause intense pain and problems over time if left untreated. Any changes to the overall shape, structure or appearance of your feet should be evaluated by a foot care professional.
You Develop Numbness or Tingling
If you experience weakness, numbness, tingling or burning in the foot, this could be a sign of nerve damage or diabetes, which warrant immediate medical attention. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you already know how important it is to have a podiatrist by your side to provide you with care to prevent serious complications. If you’re still looking for a podiatrist who can provide diabetic care, turn to our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Niceville, FL, podiatrists to see if we’re a good fit.
Emerald Coast Podiatry is Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Niceville, FL premier foot and ankle team. Call the Fort Walton office at (850) 862-4119 or the Crestview office at (850) 682-6522 today to schedule an evaluation with our podiatrists Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel.