Staying in good health means having the right team of experts on your side. Beyond your primary care doctor, you may want to consider having other specialists on your wellness team as well. A podiatrist is one type of physician that can help you with many common foot ailments. According to the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association, 75% of Americans will have some type of foot health issue in their lifetime. Getting treatment for these issues will have a huge impact on your quality of life and general well-being. Let's look at some reasons why you may want to connect with a local podiatrist.

1. General Foot Pain

Foot pain can be a result of many different things. It could result from something as innocent as standing on your feet too much each day at work. However, it could be something more serious, such as circulation problems and critical vascular issues. It's important to have foot pain seen by a podiatrist because they will be able to accurately diagnose the issue and recommend treatment.

2. Changes in Foot Shape

If your feet have sudden or noticeable shape changes, then you should schedule an appointment with a foot doctor. Some changes are normal as people age. Different foot issues can also cause shape changes, such as falling arches, bunions, or hammer toes. In some cases, these are not serious issues and you will be just fine. However, in other cases, you may need surgery if you don't get early intervention.

3. Ankle and Knee Pain

Sometimes problems with your feet can cause pain in other parts of your body. For instance, if you have issues with your gait, then it could cause pain in your ankles or knees. If you are experiencing any issues such as this, then you should see your doctor. They may recommend that you see a podiatrist to rule out other issues with your feet. Sometimes the solution is as simple as getting inserts for your shoes.

4. Foot Injuries

If you have had a foot injury, then a foot doctor will be able to treat you and ensure that your feet heal correctly. This can be vital to your long-term health and recovery. When feet don't heal properly, it could cause long-term pain issues. It may even affect your mobility in the future as well.

Infections, Nails or Skin Issues

A foot doctor may be able to help you with skin problems and infections as well. Issues such as ingrown toenails, athlete's foot, and wounds, will need the attention of a knowledgeable foot doctor. When left untreated, these types of issues can cause a negative impact on your health.

If you're interested in learning more about podiatrist services, then please contact us at Mid Nebraska Foot Clinic. We want to ensure you're taking care of your feet no matter how old you are. Give us a call today to get started with our services.