23 Jan The importance of regular foot exams and when to see a podiatrist
Regular foot exams are an important part of maintaining overall foot health and preventing serious conditions from developing. These exams can help identify issues early on, making treatment more effective and less invasive. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of regular foot exams, when to see a podiatrist, and what to expect during a foot exam. If you are looking for a professional podiatrist in Strood or Sidcup, then Paul Miller is here for you, get in touch now.
Your feet are the foundation of your body, and they play a crucial role in your overall health and mobility. However, many people tend to neglect their feet, often only visiting a podiatrist when they are experiencing pain or discomfort. This is a mistake, as regular foot exams can help identify potential problems before they become serious.
During a regular foot exam, a podiatrist will conduct a thorough examination of your feet, checking for any abnormalities or signs of injury. This may include examining your toenails, looking for any signs of fungal infections or ingrown toenails, and checking for calluses or corns. They will also check the overall condition of your skin, looking for any signs of dryness, cracking, or infection.
The podiatrist will also check the way you walk, looking for any abnormalities in your gait that may be causing pain or discomfort. They will also check the flexibility of your joints and the strength of your muscles, as well as check for any signs of arthritis or other degenerative conditions.
One of the most important aspects of a regular foot exam is the evaluation of your footwear. It is important to have comfortable and appropriate shoes that fit well and provide proper support, which can prevent many problems and injuries. Your podiatrist will check the fit and condition of your shoes, and make recommendations for new shoes if necessary.
Regular foot exams are especially important for people with certain conditions, such as diabetes, as they are at a higher risk of developing serious foot problems. Diabetic patients should have regular foot exams at least once a year, as they are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as neuropathy, which can cause numbness and tingling in the feet, and peripheral artery disease, which can reduce blood flow to the feet.
Another group of people that should have regular foot exams are athletes and people who are physically active. Athletes are at a higher risk of developing foot and ankle injuries, and regular foot exams can help identify potential problems before they become serious.
When to see a podiatrist? Strood
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Other signs that it is time to see a podiatrist include:
- Redness, swelling, or warmth in the feet
- Changes in the color or temperature of the feet
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
- Sores or blisters on the feet
- Cracks or dryness in the skin of the feet
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
- If you have diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
What to expect during a foot exam?
During a foot exam, you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks, and the podiatrist will conduct a thorough examination of your feet. The exam will typically include the following steps:
- Inspection of the skin and nails: The podiatrist will check for any signs of dryness, cracking, or infection in the skin and nails of your feet. They will also check for any abnormalities in the nails, such as ingrown toenails or fungal infections.
- Evaluation of your gait: The podiatrist will observe the way you walk and check for any abnormalities in your gait that may be
In conclusion, regular foot exams are an important part of maintaining overall foot health and preventing serious conditions from developing. They can help identify issues early on, making treatment more effective and less invasive. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet, or if you have a condition such as diabetes, it is important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
At Paul Miller Podiatry, we understand the importance of regular foot exams and the role they play in maintaining overall foot health. Our team of experienced podiatrists is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. If you are in need of a foot exam or treatment for a foot or ankle condition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are here to help you keep your feet healthy and pain-free.