A podiatrist, also known as a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, is a medical professional specializing in treating various foot and lower leg conditions. If you’re suffering from chronic pain or other ailments affecting your feet or ankles, your family physician will likely refer you to a podiatrist for further treatment.

A podiatrist can help treat and prevent a slew of foot health problems, as well as educate patients about properly caring for their feet.

There are several conditions that may prompt you to schedule a visit with a local podiatrist.

Pain or Swelling in Your Feet or Ankles

Foot pain or swelling can occur for various reasons, not all of which are related to underlying health conditions. For instance, if you wear poorly fitted shoes or spend long hours on your feet, you may experience pain and swelling. If you’re experiencing chronic joint pain in your lower legs, this may be a sign of arthritis. A podiatrist can prescribe proper treatment to help improve joint health and alleviate your pain.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is an unsightly and embarrassing skin condition many people try to treat at home. Unfortunately, nail fungus doesn’t always respond to over-the-counter anti-fungal treatment. If your nail fungus is becoming increasingly worse despite your at-home care efforts, you may need medical help from a podiatrist who can prescribe a stronger anti-fungal therapy.

A Stubborn Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are a common occurrence among people of all ages. An ingrown toenail may cause your toe to become swollen and tender to the touch. While you may be tempted to treat your ingrown nail at home or a nail salon, it’s likely safer and less painful to have it treated by a podiatrist who can numb the affected area during the procedure.

Your Doctor Recommends Foot Surgery

When less-invasive foot or ankle treatments fail, your doctor may recommend surgery as a last resort. Podiatrists are trained to perform foot and ankle podiatric surgeries, including removing ingrown nails, bunions and fixing broken bones.

A Painful Bunion

Bunions are painful, bulging bumps that develop on the joint of your big toe. They typically stem from wearing high heels or having rheumatoid arthritis. If a bunion has formed on your big toe, a podiatrist can treat it with Biomechanical

changes, cortisone injections or surgery.

Diabetes

If you’re a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic, you may be especially prone to developing foot problems, such as infections, ulcers and poor circulation. You should visit a podiatrist at least once a year to help prevent these painful and potentially serious conditions from developing.

Unsightly Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin that can form on your feet. They typically result from wearing poorly fitted shoes or repeated pressure from activities like playing sports.

Like with ingrown nails, a podiatrist can remove these painful bumps.

An Injury

People who engage in strenuous physical activity are prone to foot and ankle injuries. If you suspect you have a broken or sprained foot, ankle or toe, don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist who can provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gait Assessment

If you’ve developed a foot condition, a podiatrist can perform a gait assessment where they carefully analyze your foot movement as you’re walking or running. This type of assessment of your ligaments, muscles and joints can give a podiatrist plenty of insight into the cause of your condition and help them determine the best treatment to ensure your feet and legs stay healthy.

Proper Orthotics Recommendations

Podiatrists typically have extensive knowledge of custom orthotics. For instance, if you have flat feet, pain from bunions or blisters, low back pain or arthritis, you may experience symptom improvement by wearing doctor-prescribed custom orthotics.

Is It Time to See a Podiatrist in Roseburg?

If you’re experiencing issues with your feet or ankles, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

At Centennial Orthopedics and Podiatry, we offer our patients a variety of treatments, including podiatric care.

To schedule an appointment at our Roseburg, Oregon location, call 541-229-0213.