You use your feet every day, so it is important that you take good care of them. Your podiatrist knows how to do this, but what questions are best to ask? “Caring for your feet is one of the best things you can do for yourself,” says Dr. Velimir Petkov, board certified from North Jersey podiatrist at Premier Podiatry in Clifton, NJ. Here are a number of questions that he believes you should definitely ask your podiatrist.
When should you see a podiatrist?
“The frequency of your visits will depend on your lifestyle, activity level and whether you have diabetes,” says Dr. Petkov. If you have diabetesyour podiatrist will monitor your blood sugar levels, lifestyle and medical history to determine how often you should make appointments; this may end up being more than once a year. Anytime you have pain, you should obviously make an appointment with your podiatrist so they can help you resolve the pain.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a list your symptoms and any questions you may have. Writing down your questions and symptoms will help ensure you discuss them with your podiatrist. You can also bring a list of the medications you are taking. If your pain is related to a specific exercise, bring your sneakers with you so your podiatrist can assess them. Make sure you ask your podiatrist your questions and that you understand the answers. If you don’t understand, ask for clarification. After all, your podiatrist is there to help you.
What should I do to take good care of my feet?
There are many things you can do to take good care of your feet. Wash them regularly and inspect them afterwards. If you experience discomfort, foot pain, or notice anything unusual such as blisters, bruising, redness, swelling, inflammation, an ingrown toenail, or a rash, see your podiatrist.
Moisturize your feet to prevent cracks that can spread bacteria and fungus. Avoid walking barefoot to prevent sprains and stress fractures. Wear comfortable shoes that provide good arch support and shock absorption. If you are going to exercise, choose the right type of shoes for the sport or activity you enjoy and keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks.
What kind of exercises can I do to stretch my foot muscles?
There are several easy exercises that you can do at home (or even at work) to stretch your foot muscles. Lifting, pointing and curling your toes can stretch and strengthen the muscles in your feet. Spreading your toes also gives you control over your toe muscles. By picking up marbles with your toes, you increase the strength in the muscles of the bottom of your feet and your toes. Doing strength exercises will keep your feet strong and prevent future injuries.
What kind of shoes should I wear during the summer? Are there sandals on the market with built-in arch support?
This summer, trade your slippers for one good pair of sandals. There are sandals on the market that are designed by podiatrists to support your feet. It is important that you wear shoes that support your arch and foot, especially when going on vacation and walking around. Buying a good pair of high-quality sandals will keep you pain-free on vacation and injury-free when you get home.
Dr. Petkov advises, “Consider having your feet scanned to get custom milled slippers with arch support and heel cup adjustment to better support your feet during the summer months.”
What is the difference between off-the-shelf, store-bought, and custom-made orthotics?
Custom orthotics are prescribed by your podiatrist and are made for your specific foot, while store-bought orthoses are not designed specifically for you. If you have diabetes, are an athlete, or suffer from recurring injuries, you will benefit from custom orthotics. These orthotics will help you prevent future injuries and possible pain that you may experience.
It is important to keep your feet healthy and your podiatrist knows how best to do this. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your appointment because the answers will help you take the necessary steps to prevent pain and injury.