Confronting a new diagnosis can be a worrisome process – especially if you are concerned that there might be something serious going on with your feet.
Clear communication is vital when visiting a foot doctor in Beltsville MD for the first time. If you are able to explain your concerns clearly, your podiatrist will be able to make a diagnosis more quickly.
It’s equally important that your own questions are answered clearly.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first visit:
Have you medical history information ready. During the consultation, your podiatrist will need to obtain a thorough medical history to help him or her identify possible areas of concern. This information should include your current and past medical problems, a list of your medications, family history, symptoms or problems you are experiencing in other areas of your body, and health habits.
Bring (or just wear) the shoes you wear the most. These should include the shoes you wear to work daily as well as your workout shoes. If you have recently changed footwear, bring your old pair with the new. Let the foot doctor examine the shoes as well as your feet to see if they really are the right fit. If they are not right for your feet, they could be causing some of your symptoms.
While you may feel the need to make your feet look “pretty” before the examination, it’s not necessary to do so. In fact, it’s best that you don’t. Keeping them clean and odorless is sufficient. It’s easier for the specialist to examine your toes if they are not trimmed or painted. Obtaining a toenail sample is also easier if it is not trimmed too short.
If you haven’t already done so, begin keeping a log of your symptoms. When do you experience them? What are the circumstances surrounding them? What kind of environment are you in when the symptoms begin? Does something aggravate the pain or irritation? What seems to give you relief? You should mention even the slightest symptoms in your notes; you never know when minor issues can turn into major problems.
Prepare to tell your foot specialist about your physical activities. Even if you do light exercise a few times a week, tell him or her about it. What type of surface(s) do you work out on? If you feel any kind of pain when you exercise, what part of the foot or leg does it occur in?
In addition to an interview, you may also be given a thorough medical evaluation to diagnose your foot problem. The podiatrist will also perform tests if/when needed. Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan will begin. The treatment plan may include nonsurgical solutions, surgical solutions, or a combination of both. You’ll also be provided with tips on how to reduce the risk of the problem getting worse. If you feel that you need medication for symptoms, ask for it.
Every foot is unique, so your treatment plan will be tailored specifically for your needs.
Stop living with the pain. To learn more about how a foot doctor in Beltsville MD can help you, contact The Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center at 301-937-5666 and schedule a consultation.
