Our feet are an important part of our body. Not only do they support us as we go about our day-to-day — walking about, going to gym or work — they also take on a great deal of stress when we don’t treat them properly. If you’re someone who has been experiencing foot pain or other related symptoms from wearing poor shoes or walking on your feet improperly, you may want to speak with a podiatrist. And when seeking the help of a healthcare professional, you’ll want to be equipped with good questions. Here are five things to ask your podiatrist in Mayfield Village, OH to make the most out of your appointment.
How can the right shoes impact my foot health?
Believe it or not, wearing appropriate footwear can make or break your overall foot health. If you’re someone who has a tendency to buy cheap shoes that provide little to no arch support, you’re bound to come home from a long day with sore soles. Wearing shoes with poor arch support can cause many issues for your feet, and most doctors suggest that everyone should seek out professional stores that make shoes specifically with good arch support. They may remind you of your grandmother’s sneaker, but your feet will thank you.
Another side effect of poor shoes could be bunions. If you wear shoes that are too small for your feet or that push your toes together, you could grow bunions. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint that connects your big toe to your foot. It’ll usually form as a result of the big toe being pushed towards the other toes. Bunions can grow to be large and painful, and the only way to remove them is through surgery. If you are holding on to that pair of shoes you love but they’re too small for your feet, pitch them and get yourself a new pair immediately.
How to walk to avoid sore feet after a long day of work?
Another question you’ll want to ask your physician is how you can avoid sore feet at the end of the day. Decent shoes is a good way to start, but there are many ways you can avoid sore feet. First and foremost, investing in orthopedic inserts for your shoes could make a huge difference for your feet. Inserts help those who may have to be standing on their feet all day or for women who wear heels to work. It provides a necessary cushion.
Second, your podiatrist will likely tell you to regularly seek out ways of relieving foot pain. When your feet hurt, it’s likely due to the fascia, or the body’s connective tissue, or muscles in the foot being tight. If you’re someone who can’t afford to regularly seek out a massage therapist, you can try rolling out any knots or tight fascia with a tennis ball. You can also have a partner reset any tight muscles.
How to avoid infections of the toenails or foot?
Though this is a rather gross topic, it’s an important one! Our feet are in sweaty shoes and socks all day long or are left open to the world in flip flops or sandals. That leaves them open to a wide array of infections. And your toenails is one place you can get a lot of infections if you’re not careful. Your podiatrist will likely tell you that you should aim to clean and prune your feet regularly. Clipping your nails regularly and cleaning your feet daily will help in reducing infections.
When should I know to seek out surgery?
Your podiatrist will likely tell you if you need surgery for any reason. However, if you’re concerned you might need surgery but are unsure, always go in and ask. Some easy indicators of medical intervention include pain and inability to perform regular tasks, like walking. If your foot pain or tightness is hindering your mobility, then you may need surgery. For example, bunions can severely limit mobility as the growth will push the big toe out of alignment. Bunions are often rather painful, too. If you are experiencing these issues, seek out a professional as soon as possible.
Are there any at-home or alternative methods that’ll help?
If you’re someone who isn’t interested in seeing your regular physician every time you have an issue with your feet, you can always ask your podiatrist to refer you to alternative medicine practitioners in Medina, OH. They’ll be able to tell you which alternative healthcare professionals you can trust and will be able to help you.
