Learning About Foot Care Methods and Podiatrist Treatments

Do you have feet that hurt all of the time? Has your doctor finally referred you to a specialist? Having aching feet is no fun and going to multiple doctor appointments can sometimes be a hassle. But at least when it's all over, you should have feet that don't cause you pain all of the time. In order to get the best results, it's a good idea to prepare beforehand for your appointment. Make out a list of questions to ask the podiatrist and bring it along with you so that you don't forget anything important. Some things that you should be asking are:

Are these the best size of shoes? One major source of pain for many people is wearing the wrong size of shoes. If you ask your parents or grandparents, they probably remember a time when a shoe salesman would measure your feet every time you needed to buy a new pair of shoes. Unfortunately, this practice has been all but eliminated from the process of buying adult shoes. But while your feet may have been a size 7 when you were in your early 20s, chances are good that their size has changed. Whether due to pregnancy or simply aging, your feet have a tendency to get wider and longer as you get older. Your podiatrist can give you the correct shoe size for your feet, which may eliminate at least some of your pain.

Will orthotics or special shoes be required? A lot of people buy inexpensive "orthotic" inserts at the store and then wonder why their feet still hurt. These inserts can provide some support and pain relief, but they aren't tailored to your specific feet. Custom orthotics provided by your podiatrist are tailored specifically to your feet and will provide maximum support. If he or she says that you need orthotics, you can't skip buying the prescription ones and expect the same results from the cheap ones you find at the store.

Is surgery necessary? Sometimes, especially if your issue is bunions, surgery is going to give you the best results. However, there's a good chance that your podiatrist will have some non-surgical alternatives for you to try first. He or she may give you special toe separators or special corrective devices to try first. The results may not be instant, but these things may be a better solution for you than having surgery and potentially having to stay off your feet as much as possible.

Check with a place like Advanced Foot Clinic for more information about your foot care.