If your foot hurts or if you have noticed abnormal growths on your feet, it may be time to schedule a visit with a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a foot and ankle surgeon – an expert on all things related to the feet and ankles, whether the problem is a skin issue or if it goes deep into the bones of the lower extremities. Podiatrists can diagnose and treat you, and provide you with instructions on how to care for your feet and prevent the issue from recurring.
Patients should be well prepared for their visit to a foot doctor in order to make it a productive appointment. Here, we give you ways to become better prepared when visiting a podiatrist.
List Down Your Symptoms
Before your visit, take some time to think about your symptoms and write them down. It is pretty common for patients to forget to tell their doctors things that may be considered useful information during the course of their visit. Avoid this by writing down your symptoms on your phone or a notepad, and bring the list to the appointment.
Here are examples of things to note down and mention to your podiatrist:
- Pain that is worst in the morning or at night
- Pain that persists even during rest
- A burning sensation in the feet
- Pain and swelling after eating certain foods, such as red meat
- Discomfort when running or doing exercises
- Big toe developing a bump
- Itchy skin around the toenails
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
- A feeling of weakness in the ankle
Also include information such as when the symptoms started developing, what at-home treatments you tried, and what gives you relief. It is important to be thorough in your descriptions, because it helps the podiatrist come to a more informed and accurate diagnosis.
Provide Your Medical History and List of Medications
It is important to provide your podiatrist with a complete medical history, including any past injuries or surgeries, and any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes or arthritis. Usually, patients are asked to fill out a form detailing all of this. All this information is useful to the doctor when diagnosing your condition and creating a personalized treatment plan.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to your appointment, and make sure they are easy to remove for the foot inspection. Your podiatrist may need to examine the shoes you wear for work, as well as what you wear to exercise or play sports, so it is a good idea to bring any and all footwear that you wear regularly. This can help the podiatrist identify any problems with your footwear that may be contributing to your foot or ankle pain.
Choose Your Clothes Wisely
During your appointment, your podiatrist will not only perform a physical exam of your feet and ankles but will also examine your posture and gait. Be prepared to remove your shoes and socks for the exam, and wear loose-fitting pants that can be rolled up to the knee. The foot doctor should be able to see your lower legs during the exam to thoroughly perform a gait and posture analysis.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive a few minutes early for your appointment to allow time for any paperwork or check-in procedures, such as verifying your personal information and insurance information. Being early also gives you time to relax and mentally prepare for your visit.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your appointment with a podiatrist. Your podiatrist is highly knowledgeable and is here to help you understand your condition and treatment options and to address any concerns you may have. If something is unclear, ask the doctor to help you understand better. It is also a good idea to ask your podiatrist for advice on how to prevent future foot and ankle problems. Use this time wisely and try to get the most out of it.
Top Foot Doctor in Naples, FL
Dr. Cody Togher is our board-certified and fellowship-trained podiatrist at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL. Dr. Togher can assess, diagnose, treat, and help you prevent foot and ankle issues. He believes in empowering patients through patient education to achieve the best outcomes from treatment. Dr. Togher treats patients using conservative and minimally invasive procedures and will recommend methods that will best help you return to your life.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Togher, call our office today at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient online request form.
