When you have sore or painful feet, the first person you visit is usually your primary medical professional. They may be able to help you with diagnosing the problem. In many cases, they will look at the issue, discover the disorder and then send you to a specialist for foot disorders and conditions. This is a podiatrist.
Why a Certified Podiatrist Evanston IL?
A podiatrist, commonly called a “Foot Doctor,” is trained to diagnose and treat the feet and ankles. He or she is formally a Doctor in Podiatric Medicine or DPM. As a podiatrist, they are knowledgeable and skilled in anything below the knee as it concerns the feet. His or her specialty, after all is foot disorders and conditions.
Finding the Problem
A podiatrist, like any medical professional, will examine the affected part – in this case the feet, with great care, he or she will ask you several questions about the problem. This will include:
- Quality of the pain
- Its location
- Radiation pattern
- Severity
- Duration
- Anything that exacerbates it
- What appears to relieve it
- If this is something you have had before
- What treatments you have undergone previously regarding this or a similar problem?
- Were the treatments effective?
In addition, the podiatrist will seek from you any information concerning a family history of this particular or any related foot disorders and conditions. Moreover, the podiatrist will ask questions concerning your current and past physical activities, the amount of exercise you take, how often and for how long. He or she will also have you walk, which will allow the podiatrist to see how your gait is affected by the foot problem.
Of particular interest to the podiatrist will be your footwear. He or she will pay attention to what you wear since it is frequently a factor in causing the most common foot disorders. By examination and asking questions, the podiatrist will then be able to identify the problem.
Common Foot Disorders and Conditions
Your foot doctor is skilled in handling many common conditions, such as the following:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Athlete’s foot
- Bunions
- Calluses and Corns
- Fallen Arches
- Hammer Toe
- Heel Spur
- Ingrown Toenails
Preventive Measures
Many of the most common foot disorders and conditions are preventable. Podiatrists and other medical professionals pin point two major causal factors: weight and footwear. As a result, you can help prevent certain foot disorders and conditions if you maintain your weight at an appropriate level and always wear sensible, or at least suitable shoes.
If you are concerned about Foot Disorders And Conditions affecting your life, talk to the foot and ankle specialist at Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic. We will examine your feet and help you understand the issues and causal factors. Click here to get more information.
