The 3 W’s Of Visiting A Podiatrist: Why, When And What
When you are suffering from foot or ankle pain that is impacting your mobility and quality of life, you may be confused about which medical professional would be best to help you get back on your feet and return to pain-free living. That is why today we are talking about the three W’s of visiting a podiatrist:
Why you should visit a podiatrist.
When you should see a podiatrist.
What to expect at your first podiatry visit.
Read on to learn more about the 3 W’s of visiting a podiatrist. Then, be sure to contact our Westfield, Ind. office at the first sign of foot pain and make an appointment with our experienced and skilled podiatrist, Dr. David R. Sullivan.
Why You Should Visit a Podiatrist
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) and is the only healthcare professional whose total training focuses on the foot, ankle and related body systems. They treat patients of all ages and can also treat complications from on-going health issues such as diabetes.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree, podiatrists complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school to obtain a doctorate degree. Podiatrist then complete a post-graduate residency training at an approved hospital or university. Their residency training experience typically includes anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious disease, surgery, ER and pediatrics. Once their training is completed, they then must pass a series of board certification exams. A fully licensed podiatrist has the letters DPM after their name. If a podiatrist is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, they have completed a credentialing and examination process and have demonstrated knowledge of podiatric surgery. This includes the diagnosis of general medical problems and surgical management of foot diseases, deformities and trauma of the foot, ankle and related structures.
Dr. David Sullivan is a board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist.
When You Should See a Podiatrist
You should make an appointment with a podiatrist if you have a foot or ankle injury, are experiencing foot or ankle pain or have noticed a change in your foot or ankle. If you have diabetes or a chronic foot or ankle problem, you should have regularly scheduled visits with a podiatrist.
Common conditions treated by podiatrists include
foot injuries, such as fractured or broken bones, sprains and strains.
foot pain and inflammation from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
diabetic foot disorders, such as infections, chronic ulcers and neuropathy.
structural foot abnormalities including hammertoes, bunions, flat feet and high arches.
skin conditions such as warts, corns, rashes and athlete’s foot.
nail conditions, including nail infections and ingrown toenails.
causes of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis and back of leg pain, such as Achilles tendinitis.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
After reviewing your medical history at your first visit, podiatrist Dr. Sullivan will ask you about any current foot or ankle problems you are experiencing and how they long they have been occurring.
Next, Dr. Sullivan will perform a thorough physical exam. He will examine your feet and check for any signs of issues such as fungus, warts, corns, bunions, hammertoes or other foot problems. He will also check your toenails for any signs of discoloration or brittleness. You may be asked to walk so that he can evaluate your gait and he will check your legs for any circulation problems.
If he thinks additional testing is needed, he may order an X-ray or other imaging scans for any structural or circulation issues. Bloodwork may be ordered to check for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions that could be causing your foot pain.
Depending on the outcome of your exam, Dr. Sullivan may recommend a change in your diet or exercise, prescribe medication, offer a treatment to relieve pain and inflammation or address an infection. He may also recommend orthotics or prescribe a boot based on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition. You may be asked to come back for a follow up appointment if necessary.
If foot or ankle pain is keeping you from living your best life, don’t wait another day! Schedule an appointment with Dr. David Sullivan, serving Westfield, Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers and Zionsville, Ind. He will get you back on your feet and back to your life, pain-free!