Podiatrists and podiatric surgeons have years of specialized training in treating conditions affecting the feet. This makes them the go-to people for any foot-related issue. However, relatively minor issues can sometimes be treated by your primary care doctor. Certain signs indicate there may be a more serious problem, making it better to see a podiatrist or podiatric surgeon in Kenosha WI.
A Discolored Foot
If your feet look different colors, especially if one of the feet is an unusual color like purple or blue, there may be a serious problem with blood flow or an infection. This merits a visit to a podiatrist. In general, your feet should both be the same color.
A Wound That Doesn’t Get Better
Most of the time, when you get a sore or a wound on the foot, it heals relatively quickly. However, in some cases, there could be an infection that prevents healing. Diabetics tend to have problems with sores that don’t heal on the foot, so it’s important for them to watch for this type of problem to limit the risk that they’ll need to see a podiatric surgeon in Kenosha WI to remove the foot in question.
A Swollen or Painful Foot
If only one of your feet is painful or swollen, this indicates a problem, especially if this pain gets worse with activity. It could mean that you have a stress fracture, a broken bone, an infection, or a problem with the tendons of the foot.
A Sudden Deformity of the Foot
People with diabetes sometimes get a condition called Charcot that involves the foot becoming hot, swollen, and red and sometimes bones slipping out of place or even breaking. A podiatrist can help to treat this problem.
A Pain or Tingling in the Foot
Certain conditions can make the foot tingle, burn, or feel numb. These include diabetic neuropathy. Another problem, called peripheral artery disease, can make it so it’s painful to elevate the feet due to an issue with decreased blood flow.
Click here to learn more about the conditions treated by a podiatrist or to schedule an appointment. The podiatrists at the office can help answer all of your foot condition-related questions.
