How to Know When It’s Time to See a Foot Specialist

Your feet bear the stress of supporting your weight as you stand or walk. Therefore, they can develop issues that may create chronic pain or cause them to become deformed. From calluses to heel spurs, your feet may need general professional care or surgical intervention. Luckily, your caring podiatrist in Bismarck, ND, Dr. Brian Gale, is available to help when you visit Dakota Foot & Ankle.

Signs You Need to See a Foot Specialist

 Do you have sore feet at the end of a long day or after working out? That's normal and probably nothing to worry about. But what if you have persistent chronic pain that doesn't go away or occurs randomly? If rest or using over-the-counter relief doesn't help the pain go away, it's time for a podiatrist to examine your foot and diagnose the cause. Never ignore unexplained swelling in your foot or ankle area, as it could be a sign of inflammation, a sprain, or edema. 

Look out for changes in temperature, redness, or skin discoloration, as you may have circulation issues. Nerve problems in the foot can cause numbness or tingling. Open wounds and sores can become infected and lead to worse problems like amputations, especially when people have underlying conditions like diabetes. Alert your doctor immediately if you have a lingering cut or wound that doesn't show signs of healing. 

Does your foot seem to be developing a deformity in the foot shape or the alignment of the toes? It can happen with hammertoe or bunions. Of course, if bearing weight on your foot, walking, and running has become difficult, medical intervention is essential to improve your mobility before it worsens.

How a Foot Doctor Can Help You

 Dr. Gale will examine your foot and see how you walk. Diagnosis may need a visual examination, X-rays, or CAT scans. Certain conditions may require rest, compression, and elevation. Your podiatrist in Bismarck, ND, can prescribe physical therapy and demonstrate foot stretching techniques to ease soft tissue pain and tension. Immobilizing the foot or ankle with a night stint or walking boot can encourage healing. Custom foot inserts called orthotics can help patients correct developing foot deformities or provide arch support. In extreme cases, your doctor can perform foot surgery to correct deformities or repair torn tendons. 

Foot pain and deformities can affect your mobility and quality of life. When you need a trusted podiatrist in Bismarck, ND, Dr. Gale at Dakota Foot & Ankle is the one to call. Find foot relief and correction at 701-255-3338.