What to Expect at a Podiatrist Visit
Our feet do an extraordinary amount of work, for very little reward!
Made up of a complex system of bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons, our feet allow us to stand, walk and run. In fact – did you know that your feet will cover a distance that is roughly equivalent to 4 times around the world, over the course of your lifetime?
And yet – we seem quite happy to wear shoes that give us a never-ending supply of blisters, leave calluses untreated, and attempt DIY repair on any ingrown toenails!
Taking care of your feet will help keep you mobile, so you can enjoy a better quality of life, for many years to come – so when problems occur, it’s time to visit your friendly local podiatrist.
What Does as Podiatrist Do?
A podiatrist is a registered health practitioner, specially trained to help with problems that affect your feet, ankles or lower limbs. They can provide proactive care – for example, advice before you take up running or a new exercise program – as well as treat injuries and complications from ongoing health issues such as diabetes.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
If you’re not sure what to expect at a podiatrist visit, let’s walk you through the process …
Make sure you bring any x-rays, ultrasounds or other scans, and any bloodwork results to your first appointment. It’s also a good idea to wear (or bring) the shoes you wear most often.
The first thing you can expect is that your podiatrist will ask about your medical history. For example:
- What medications are you on? In particular, they need to know if you are on blood pressure medications, blood thinners or diuretics.
- What previous surgeries have you had? Do you have any pins, plates or fusions – or have you had a hip or knee replacement?
- When did the symptoms first start?
- What activity or activities were you undertaking?
- What shoes were you wearing?
Just because your feet are going to be reviewed, poked and prodded, does not mean that you need to rush out and get yourself a pedicure – in fact, your podiatrist would rather you didn’t! By covering your nails with polish, or removing corns, calluses, or even the hair on your big toes, then you remove vital evidence, making it harder for your podiatrist to gain an accurate picture of your foot health.
How Often Should you See a Podiatrist?
While most people only need to visit a podiatrist as and when issues arise – regular visits are recommended if:
- You have an ongoing medical condition such as diabetes or arthritis. With diabetes type 1 for example, you should see your podiatrist around 4 times a year; if you suffer from diabetes type 2, you should make an appointment every 6 months.
- You are having trouble taking care of your own feet, which is quite common in older folk. We recommend booking an appointment every 6 to 8 weeks for regular foot and nail care in this instance.
Now that you know what to expect at a podiatrist visit, there’s no need to fear. If you are having any issues with your feet, call us on 3207 4736 – or you can book an appointment online.