You use your feet every day to take you from place to place. Therefore, you should never take them for granted. When you begin to notice issues with your feet, it is important to see a doctor right away. Otherwise, you could make the problem worse.
Here are a few signs that you should see a foot doctor soon.
You Have Joint Pain in Your Feet
If you have painful and swollen joints in your feet, you may have arthritis. The joint condition affects many people and should be addressed right away. If it isn't, you may not be able to function normally and could even become disabled. A foot doctor can suggest treatments for your arthritis.
You Have an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail is a condition that occurs when the side of a toenail grows into the skin. It can lead to pain, swelling, and even infection. Whether your ingrown toenail resulted from wearing the wrong shoes or injury, it is important to see a foot doctor. He or she will come up with the appropriate treatment.
You Are Starting a Running Program
Running can definitely help keep you in good physical shape. However, running multiple days a week can put strain on your feet, which can increase your pain. If you have started a running program, you may want to see a foot doctor. He or she can suggest the right shoes to wear and other ways to avoid foot problems.
You Have Diabetes
Diabetes can affect various parts of your body, including your feet. If you have diabetes, you may have nerve damage, so you may not have much feeling in your feet. If you step on something and cut your foot, you may not even notice. Unfortunately, untreated cuts can lead to infection. That is why you should get your feet examined by a foot doctor regularly.
You Have a Bunion
A bunion is a bump on your big toe that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Some of the most common risk factors for bunions include wearing high heels, foot injuries, and arthritis. If you have developed a bunion, you should see a foot doctor for treatment soon.
If you are displaying any of these signs, you should schedule an appointment with a foot doctor as soon as possible. The sooner that you receive proper treatment, the more likely you are to heal the foot issue.