Call a podiatrist when you experience any of the following issues:
- Persistent, chronic, increasing, or sudden pain in the feet, toes, or ankles
- Any change in the feet, toes, or ankles, such as swelling or the taking on of a bluish, reddish, or purplish color
- Signs of infection, including swelling, redness, tenderness, heat, red streaks, or discharge of pus
- Any infection that spreads to another area of the feet or toes
- Any change in the toenails or skin on the feet, including thickening nails, blisters, or severe cracking, scaling, or peeling
- Symptoms that do not go away or improve within two weeks of using an over-the-counter treatment on your own
Podiatrists provide the following medical services to patients to maintain healthy feet, toes, and lower legs: education on proper hygiene, care, and exercise; diagnoses and treatments for pain, deformities, injuries, diseases, and disorders; surgeries to correct problems; prescriptions for appropriate therapy and diagnostic procedures; prescribe and fit orthotics; and consult with other doctors or specialists to provide patients with a collaborative approach to health care.