When to See a Podiatrist

Find out when your foot and ankle problems warrant turning to a podiatrist for care.

Spring is on its way and even though we may be self-quarantining, a lot of people are getting out in nature. This means more hiking, biking, walking, and running. As a result, you may notice tired, sore, red or achy feet. While some of these issues will go away with a little TLC and rest, it’s important to know when you should also turn to our Boise, ID, podiatrists for care.

It may be time to see a podiatrist if you are dealing with (or think you’re dealing with).

Bunions

This bony protrusion that typically develops on the outer side of the big toe joint will usually grow larger over time. This affects the overall structure of your feet, causing pain and swelling in and around the big toe joint. To prevent the bunion from getting worse and causing significant pain, it’s important to talk with your podiatrist about simple lifestyle changes you can make now to prevent the deformity from getting worse.

Heel Pain

If you have severe or persistent heel pain this symptom alone also warrants seeing a podiatrist. If you’ve suddenly started tackling tougher Boise, ID, terrain for your runs, or increased the length of your runs, this could leave you deal with inflamed ligaments in the foot. If heel pain is making it difficult to get around, or if symptoms don’t improve within a week of rest and at-home care, then it’s time to see a foot doctor.

Ankle Trauma

If you suspect that you may have sprained or even broken your ankle it’s important that you trust that instinct and see your doctor right away. If the problem isn’t properly treated it’s very possible that the damaged ligament, tissue, muscle or bone will not heal properly. This can lead to long-term ankle pain, weakness and instability. Any foot or ankle injuries should be evaluated by a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates has offices in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, to serve you better. During the pandemic, we want our patients to stay as healthy as possible during this time. Patients who are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, those who’ve been exposed to someone who’s tested positive for Covid-19 and those who’ve traveled out of the state or country the last 14 days should reschedule their appointments.

If you are dealing with foot and ankle problems that are impacting your daily routine call one of our offices today at (208) 327-0627 for our Boise, ID, office, (208) 463-1660 for our Nampa/Caldwell, ID, office, or (208) 888-9876 for our Meridian, ID, office.