There’re few things as inconvenient as foot pain; it can cause your life to grind to a halt. Most of the time the pain can be relieved with time, rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, or shoe gear.
Individuals should see a podiatrist when foot pain persists despite home remedies like rest, ice, or anti-inflammatories, or if symptoms suggest a more serious underlying condition. Seattle Foot and Ankle Center recommends professional evaluation for suddenly progressing foot deformities such as Charcot arthropathy, non-healing foot wounds, or persistent tingling and numbness. Early consultation is crucial for issues like stress fractures or tendon dysfunction to prevent further damage and ensure a quicker recovery.
But if none of that works, you’ll want to consult a podiatrist for a more accurate diagnosis.
Podiatrists are doctors qualified to handle foot and ankle issues. Podiatrists can handle conditions ranging from arthritis pain, bunions, calluses, corns, diabetes complications, ingrown toenails, and sports injuries. Here are some conditions that you should immediately talk to a doctor about.
Suddenly Progressing Foot Deformities
A common foot deformity is Charcot arthropathy, an issue caused by diabetes. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and heat. Charcot can cause bones to break and slip out of place, which if left untreated, can cause the bones to heal incorrectly.
Flat Feet
You should see a podiatrist for flat feet if one of your feet is noticeably flatter than the other, as this could indicate tendon dysfunction or ruptures. Treating these tendon issues early can prevent more severe problems like arthritis and bone damage.
Growing or Painful Lumps and Bumps
Growing lumps should always be looked at by a doctor; it could be a cyst or something more serious like a tumor.
Foot Wounds or Sores That Don’t Heal
Open sores on your feet or ankles should always be looked at by a medical professional, especially if you have diabetes, as that can affect the healing process. The longer you leave an open sore untreated, the more likely you are to develop skin and bone infections.
What does it mean if your feet are discolored?
If one of your feet is a different color than the other, that may be an indicator for some kind of issue. Redness signifies infection or gout, blue or purple could mean vein problems, and whiteness/paleness signify decreased blood flow.
Elevated Legs Causing Foot Pain
If you have foot pain when you’re lying in bed but not when you’re standing up, you may have decreased blood flow or peripheral artery disease. A podiatrist should be the first doctor you speak to, but you may also have to see a vascular surgeon.
Foot Tingling, Burning, or Numbness
These issues can signify neuropathy, which causes decreased foot sensation. Neuropathy is often caused by diabetes and can lead to foot ulcers.
When should you see a podiatrist for foot pain and swelling?
You should see a podiatrist for foot pain and swelling, as there could be a variety of causes, including broken bones, infection, tendonitis, and tendon ruptures. Swelling in both feet or ankles is also often caused by lymphedema.
Foot Pain Caused by Activity
If your feet are hurting after physical activity, you may have a stress fracture. Don’t ignore the problem, talk to a podiatrist. Treating the fracture early can prevent more severe issues earlier.
More Than 24 Hours of Severe Pain
Being in intense pain for a long period, especially if you just had surgery, is a serious problem. This pain can be caused by infection, tight dressing, compartment syndrome, or deep vein thrombosis.
In pain? Don’t wait. Early treatment leads to faster recovery. Urgent appointments available. Read about Conditions We Treat. Request an Appointment online. Call: 206-682-8741 or Contact Us. If you like our content, please link it to your website and Collaborate With Us. Thank you.