Approximately 12% of Americans suffer from a severe fear of going to the doctor, known as “iatrophobia.” And even more Americans – around 1 in 3 – will avoid going to the doctor even when they need one.
But if you’re suffering from pain in your foot, whether due to disease, illness, or injury, a podiatrist (foot and ankle doctor) can help you feel better. Let the foot pain specialist at Plymouth Podiatry help ease your concerns by explaining exactly what to expect during your first visit to a podiatrist.
Health History
The first time you see your podiatrist, expect to be asked many questions about your health history. Some of the questions will clearly pertain to your reason for coming in, such as:
- How and when the injury occurred.
- When you first started noticing symptoms.
- Any home treatments you’ve tried.
- Your past history with sports, exercise, or foot-related conditions, such as diabetic foot wounds or ingrown toenails.
- Any previous doctor visits about the current issue.
However, some questions may not seem related to your current problem. These are still important. For example, it’s not uncommon for old injuries that have long since healed to potentially bother you again if you’ve developed Type II diabetes, are going through chemotherapy, or have certain other disorders.
It’s important during this time to be completely honest with your doctor. The details you provide will help them determine the best course of action for your road to recovery. Remember that the podiatrist is there to help you, not judge you. But they can only do this based on the information you give them.
Physical Exam
Once your doctor knows your history, they’ll perform a physical exam of your feet, ankles, and possibly lower legs. Depending on the nature of your pain and condition, this might include:
- Looking for signs of poor circulation.
- Placing pressure on certain points to determine if there is pain.
- Watching you walk to assess your mobility and gait.
- Checking the color and condition of your toenails and skin.
- Assessing any wounds.
- Having you bend and flex your foot.
- Carefully examining the soles of your feet.
Again, the more information the doctor has, the better able they’ll be to properly diagnose your problem and set you on a path to healing.
Diagnosis
Once your podiatrist has all the information they feel is necessary, they’ll make a diagnosis. Giving a name to the problem helps you understand exactly what’s wrong and what you can do to treat it and feel better.
Imaging
Sometimes, further investigation into the problem is necessary. At these times, the doctor might have you take X-rays, bloodwork, MRIs, or bone scans. These tests are designed to help the podiatrist see and understand things they would otherwise be unable to detect from a regular physical exam. For example, an X-ray may be required to determine the severity of an ankle fracture.
Some doctors’ offices have imaging resources on-site so that you can have your X-rays or bloodwork done on the same day as your appointment without leaving the office. Other times, you may be given a prescription or referral for a bloodwork lab or MRI clinic. Most podiatrists already have a list of outside providers that they know and trust because they’ve worked together in the past. However, you are also allowed to see your own provider for outside tests.
Treatment Plans
When everything else is done, and your podiatrist feels they’ve made a thorough exam of your problem and diagnosed it accurately, they’ll work with you to create a treatment plan. Depending on the condition and severity, this plan may include:
- Prescription medications, either short- or long-term.
- Lifestyle changes.
- Physical therapy.
- Assistive devices such as crutches, braces, or orthotic boots.
- Referrals for a surgical consultation.
- Bandage instructions for wound care.
- Weight-bearing or activity restrictions.
- Home treatments such as ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and stretches.
- Follow-up visits.
It’s absolutely vital that you follow your doctor’s instructions. Failure to do so may result in exacerbation of your problem or a delay in the healing process.
Tips & Advice
Before your first visit to the podiatrist, here are some things you can do to make your time together more productive:
- Make a list of your symptoms.
- Note when the pain feels worse and when it feels better. (Morning? Night? Standing? Lying down?)
- Describe in as much detail as possible when the pain started and what it feels like:
- Sharp
- Burning
- Dull
- Throbbing
- Achey
- Numb
- Make a list of your current medications, including vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Include the dosage and how often you take them.
- Write down any questions you have for the doctor.
- Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off, as well as comfortable clothes for moving around.
- Bring proof of insurance and your ID.
- Arrive a few minutes early to fill out paperwork or answer questions.
FAQs:
Q: How long does a typical foot pain clinic visit last?
A: A first visit usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on your history, the complexity of your symptoms, and whether any imaging or tests are needed.
Q: Does insurance cover visits to the podiatrist?
A: In most cases, yes. However, we recommend you call the practice to find out whether they take your insurance before making an appointment. You should also discuss the nature of your problem and whether that’s covered.
Plymouth Podiatry Cares About Your Whole Self
The doctors and staff at Plymouth Podiatry are the best podiatrists for ankle pain and foot pain. We are dedicated to creating a truly caring atmosphere within the practice. That means we listen to our patients and are committed to doing everything possible to help you live a life free from pain.
Contact us online, or call one of our offices at (866) 536-4446 (Plymouth) or (508) 936-3028 (Raynham) to speak with us about how we can help you.