Paying attention to every body part is essential to maintaining an overall healthy life. As such, your feet need as much care (if not more) as any part of your body. They do have to carry the weight of your body, after all.
In caring for your feet, it’s crucial to examine your feet regularly and know exactly when to visit a podiatrist.
Failing to pay attention to your feet can worsen an existing issue, causing you to experience excruciating pain. This can, in turn, affect your mobility and, as such, your lifestyle.
This article will discuss the signs that show you need to see a podiatrist in Salt Lake City.
When is it Time to Visit a Foot Doctor?
You’ll know it’s time to see a foot doctor in Salt Lake City if you experience any of the following symptoms.
#1. Persistent Heel Pain
Persistent heel pain is an indicator that something isn’t right with your feet. In such a situation, the best line of action should be visiting a podiatrist.
A podiatrist will not only find out the root cause of the issue but also provide an effective treatment.
#2. Joint Pain
Painkillers do not often provide a permanent solution to joint problems. Some of the common signs of joint trouble are swelling, stiffness as well as redness in the affected places.
Treating the joints in the foot requires the expertise of a podiatrist. With their help, you can be sure of getting back on your feet without any form of discomfort or pain.
#3. Numbness or Tingling
Persistent numbness and tingling are oftentimes indicators of nerve damage or neurological condition. Apart from this, a pin-and-needles sensation in your feet is also a pointer that there is an issue.
#5. Swelling
Engaging in certain types of activities can cause the feet to swell. However, if you notice an unexplainable swelling, the best line of action would be to get your feet checked by a podiatrist.
#6. Weakness of the Ankle
The regular wear and tear of ankle joints can eventually lead to a weak ankle. This can subsequently affect your balance and result in regular sprains.
Ankle weakness requires a professional to examine the issue and provide an effective solution.
#6. Discoloration
Feet discoloration is an obvious symptom of a medical condition. In many cases, discoloration occurs as a result of poor blood circulation.
With the help of a podiatrist, you’ll be able to determine the exact problem with your foot.
#7. Regular Foot Cramps
Foot cramps generally occur when the muscles unexpectedly tighten. Some of the reasons for this include low potassium, dehydration, and sitting/standing for a very long time.
Nevertheless, if you keep experiencing inexplicable cramps, it is advisable that you book an appointment with a podiatrist.
#8. Yellow or Hard Toe Nail
Different medical conditions can cause your toenail to appear yellow or very hard. Typically, this is a result of an infection that is within the expertise of a foot doctor.
Tips to Help Avoid Foot Injuries
There are various tips that can help reduce injuries to your feet and ankles. Some of these tips are:
- Putting on the right shoe size: It is important to wear shoes that do not cause discomfort to your feet. Putting on tight shoes for an extended period of time can lead to deformity and blisters.
- Warming up before engaging in any intense physical activity: Warming up before participating not only allows for oxygen to reach the muscles but also activates connections linking the nerves and muscles.
- Putting on the right shoes that suit a particular activity: There are various shoe designs for different purposes. For instance, there are shoes built for engaging in sports activities. As such, wearing the wrong shoe for a particular sports activity can cause injury to the feet.
- Working out on uneven surfaces: It is easy for you to trip and get injured if you work out on an uneven surface. As a result of this, you should always ensure that you only work out in an area with a flat surface.
Bottom Line
Feet injury can greatly affect your lifestyle, limiting how much exercise you can get or the events you can attend. As such, you cannot afford to overlook any foot problem.
Visit a foot doctor Salt Lake City (podiatrist) if you experience any of the above symptoms.