Seeing a podiatrist annually is a great way to maintain healthier feet and ankles, but you might need to see the doctor right away if you are injured. Our podiatrists can develop a treatment plan to ensure the injury heals correctly and does not lead to long-term problems, such as chronic pain or instability. Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, the board-certified podiatrists at Emerald Coast Podiatry in Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, diagnose and treat all types of foot and ankle injuries.
Signs You Should See a Podiatrist
Minor foot or ankle injuries will often heal properly on their own with the right at-home care, such as resting the injured foot or ankle and applying ice to it. However, it is important to know when to see the podiatrist versus treating the injury at home. Some signs you should see a doctor for an injury to the feet or ankles include:
- The pain has gotten worse over time
- The swelling has not gone down within a few days of the injury
- You are still experiencing pain 2-3 weeks after the injury occurred
- Numbness, tingling, or burning pain, especially on the bottoms of the feet
- You have diabetes or poor circulation
Persistent pain and swelling could be signs that the injury is more serious than you realized. The podiatrist can develop a treatment plan to promote proper healing, which is important for preventing long-term problems from developing. It is also important to see the doctor if you have numbness, tingling, or burning pain, as these can all be signs of nerve damage.
Finally, individuals with diabetes tend to have poor circulation, which puts them at risk of infection because wounds take longer to heal. It is important that they see their podiatrist regularly and have a diabetic foot care plan that includes checking the feet daily for wounds.
Podiatry Services
Foot doctors do so much more than just treat foot and ankle injuries. They also diagnose and treat all types of foot conditions, such as bunions and plantar fasciitis. The experienced podiatrists at our offices in Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, offer a diverse range of services and treat various conditions and injuries, including:
- Custom orthotics
- Diabetic shoes
- Metatarsalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Gait abnormalities
- Foot deformities
- Toenail problems
- Arch or heel pain
- Plantar warts
See a podiatrist for foot and ankle injuries that do not show signs of improvement within a few days. The doctor will take steps to alleviate pain and swelling and ensure the injury heal correctly. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ricciardi or Dr. Patel, our skilled and caring podiatrists, call Emerald Coast Podiatry in Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL today. Call the Fort Walton office at (850) 862-4119 or the Crestview office at (850) 682-6522.