Being on your feet every day can put a lot of strain on them, even if all you are doing is walking or standing. Over time, the constant strain can lead to an injury or a foot condition. Whether you are experiencing discomfort from the strain of normal daily activities or have sustained an acute injury, a podiatrist can help. Dr. James Kent is the highly skilled podiatrist at East Texas Foot and Ankle Centers in Tyler, TX, and can help you find relief from foot or ankle pain and discomfort.
Signs You Need to See a Podiatrist
It is always beneficial to see a podiatrist when you sustain a foot or ankle injury. However, there are other times when you should seek podiatry treatment as well. For instance, developing certain symptoms on the feet or ankles are often signs you should see a podiatrist. Some symptoms can be indicative of an infection or a serious foot condition. Without prompt treatment, foot and ankle injuries might not heal properly and certain conditions can become worse, potentially leading to chronic pain and discomfort.
Some signs that you should see the podiatrist at our practice in Tyler, TX, include:
- Blisters on the feet
- Chronic heel pain
- Changes in the skin or toenails
- Ongoing pain in the feet or ankles
- Pus or discharge from an area of the foot
- Severe cracking, peeling or scaling on the heels
- Increased swelling, tenderness, redness, or pain
- Foot or ankle problems that have persisted for two weeks or more
You do not need to have an injury or be experiencing pain, discomfort, or other symptoms to see a foot doctor. Scheduling regular checkups with a podiatrist is an excellent way to promote better foot health. A podiatrist can recommend ways to reduce stress and strain on the feet, as well as identify potential problems early on so they can be treated or corrected before getting worse.
Conditions Podiatrists Treat
Podiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems. Seeking treatment as soon as you experience any issues is always best. Without treatment, some conditions can become progressively worse or result in chronic discomfort, pain, and instability. Even something as seemingly minor as an ingrown toenail could lead to an infection, which could then result in the development of open sores, foot ulcers, or diminished blood flow to the infected area.
Examples of some of the foot and ankle conditions treated by podiatrists include:
- Foot warts
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal infections
- Sprained ankles
- Corns and calluses
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Diabetes-related foot problems
- Fractures and breaks
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
A podiatrist can help you get back on your feet after a foot or ankle injury and can help you find relief from persistent pain or discomfort.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent, our experienced podiatrist, by calling East Texas Foot and Ankle Centers in Tyler, TX, at (903) 939-3668.