subject: Do You Know When To Contact Your Podiatrist In Chicago? Learn Now [print this page] A podiatrist provides medical and surgical care for those suffering from foot, ankle and lower leg complications. Such complications can include corns, warts, bunions, and sprains, among others. Your Chicago and Lincolnwood, IL podiatrist can also diagnose and treat common conditions, such as arthritis, and diabetes. Back pain can even be traced to your feet and relieved through proper evaluation and treatment. Not all foot and ankle problems warrant an appointment with your Chicago podiatrist. In some cases, rest, ice or even a change in footwear can be enough to reduce the pain and get you back on your feet. However, when pain and discomfort cannot be resolved by home treatment, you will need to seek professional care.
RICE: Early Treatment for Minor Foot Injuries
An unexpected fall or twist can result in an injury of your foot or ankle, such as a sprain or strain. Immediate first aid can help prevent complications, reduce pain and improve recovery. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation, commonly referred to as R.I.C.E, is the first and best treatment for minor injuries.
Rest. Whether you have a sprain or a strain, rest from any physical activity is important. Rest allows you to further protect your injured ligaments, tendons or muscles from further damage while your body starts the repair process.
Ice. Gently ice your foot or ankle with ice wrapped in a towel in a 20-minute-on, 40-minute-off cycle for the first few days after your injury. Icing your injury is a good way to reduce inflammation and pain.
Compression. Apply some type of compressive wrap or bandage to your injured area to greatly reduce the amount of initial swelling.
Elevation. Prop your foot up while lying down or sitting so that it is higher than or equal to the level of your heart. This will also help in eliminating swelling.
After a few days of the R.I.C.E. method, many acute injuries will begin to heal. If your pain or swelling does not subside after a few days or if you are unsure of the severity of your injury, make an appointment with your Chicago and Lincolnwood podiatrist immediately. Your podiatrist can properly diagnose your injury and recommend the best course of treatment.
When to Contact Your Podiatrist
Our feet are often the most ignored parts of the body, with too many people dismissing foot health until there is a serious, painful problem. Whenever a foot or ankle problem lasts for several days, contact your podiatrist in Chicago and Lincolnwood, IL. Other signs that indicate a worsening condition and warrant medical attention, include:
*Foot discoloration
*Pain and swelling in one foot
*A foot sore or wound that does not heal
Depending on each individual person is how often you should visit your podiatrist. Regular appointments allow you to better understand the stresses and strains put on your feet and lower legs on a daily basis. Long-term care and prevention is also extremely important for individuals with diabetes, as podiatrists help prevent ulcerations and loss of a limb with early diagnosis and care.
Remember, foot pain should never be taken lightly. Always consult your Chicago podiatrist for proper diagnosis of foot disorders and complications.
