When To See a Podiatrist

One of the beginnings of achieving good overall health starts with maintaining good foot health. Neglecting minor issues in the feet can progress into something severe that can incapacitate you for weeks. You should consult with a podiatrist in Eau Claire, Chippewa, Rice Lake, WI ASAP after noticing a problem with your feet. Our team of podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Clinic treat foot and ankle injuries exclusively.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Podiatrists are specially and extensively trained in the management of conditions specific to the foot and ankle. Our podiatrists in Eau Claire, Chippewa, Rice Lake, WI can provide you with a more accurate diagnosis of the root cause of your foot pain beyond what you would receive from a generalist doctor that treats the whole body.

When Should I See a Podiatrist?

Reasons to consult with a podiatrist include:

• Heel pain: The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. However, other issues may cause heel pain, which is why an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is paramount.  
• Trauma to the foot and ankle complex: Car accidents causing injuries to your foot, spraining your ankle, or dropping a heavy object on your foot are all examples of trauma to the foot.
• Sports injuries: Sports are a common cause of injury to the ankles and feet. Injuries from athletics are usually from overuse, meaning the tendons and ligaments surrounding the ankle and foot are overworked and injured. Achilles tendonitis, ligament damage, and plantar fasciitis are examples.
• Ingrown toenails: This issue is easily treatable but only if promptly addressed.
• Hammertoes: Hammertoes consist of an abnormal bend of the toe or toes and can progress rapidly. What begins as a mild nuisance can quickly progress to a very painful condition requiring surgery.
• Bunions: Due to dislocation of the big toe joint, bunions cause a bump to develop at the base of the big toe on the inside of your foot.
• Plantar warts: Warts are caused by a virus that takes up residence on the bottom of your foot, infecting the skin. Warts may go away on their own, but you should consult a podiatrist to ensure their elimination.
• Neuropathy: If you have diabetes, you know about peripheral neuropathy of the feet and the agony it can cause. This happens when nerve signals from the foot to the brain are disrupted. This condition has the potential to cause severe pain or numbness and tingling of the foot. Proper preventative foot care is essential to avoid severe issues that can, at their worst, lead to loss of the foot.

Contact Us

Foot & Ankle Clinic treats all of the above conditions and many more. If you have any of the above complaints in Eau Claire, Chippewa, Rice Lake, WI, a podiatrist consultation is warranted. Schedule an appointment with us by calling (800) 359-4421 to be connected with our offices in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Rice Lake. Call (715) 235-4274 to reach our Menomonie location.