When should I see a podiatrist?
These doctors are specialists for foot and ankle problems , so you should see a podiatrist any time you have trouble with your lower limbs. General aches, injuries, deformities, skin issues, nail changes, slow-healing sores, and any other foot or ankle concerns should send you right to an experienced specialist like Dr. Paul C. LaFata. If you have a condition like diabetes which can impact the health of your lower limbs, don’t wait until a problem arises to seek care. You need to have regular check-ups to prevent complications and manage potential problems before they can cause permanent damage.
Many conditions only get worse over time if they are not treated. If you have pain, infection, or unusual foot changes, contact West Lawn Podiatry Associates, serving the West Lawn, Reading, Wyomissing, and the surrounding Pennsylvania areas, for an appointment . You can reach us by calling (610) 678-4581 or using our online request form.
What does a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist is a doctor that has trained specifically to treat and manage conditions of the feet . Like other doctors, they have extensive education and training to be able to care for their patients. After undergraduate work, they must attend a four-year podiatric medical school to earn their Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, followed by hospital residencies. Every podiatrist is able to take care of general foot and ankle concerns, but many go on to earn certifications for surgery and specialize in specific types of problems in the lower limbs. This allows doctors to treat anything that affects the feet, including ingrown toenails, bunions, broken bones, tendonitis, nerve injuries, tumors, gait abnormalities, and much more.
People’s podiatry needs are growing, which is why having an experienced physician is so important. If you notice discomfort, weakness, or unusual changes in or on your feet or ankles, don’t put off seeking help. Contact West Lawn Podiatry Associates, PC, in West Lawn, PA, for more information or an appointment by calling (610)678-4581, or by submitting an online request form.
How can I best care for my feet?
Your foot care can make a significant difference for your lower limbs. Establishing good health habits can help you avoid painful problems later on.
Make sure you wash your feet every day, patting them completely dry afterward. Gently scrub your calluses with a pumice stone to smooth out your skin and use lotion or ointment to keep it moist. Clip your toenails straight across and leave an edge on the sides to prevent ingrown toenails.
Always wear clean, fitted socks—change them during the day if you sweat heavily—and use comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row, if you can. This allows each pair to dry completely between uses. Inspect your feet every day, too. Look for changes or distortions in skin or nail color, lumps or bumps on the foot, unusual bruises, cuts, sores, or any uncomfortable or unusual spots on the skin.
If you find an unusual change, don’t ignore it. Let Dr. Paul C. LaFata of West Lawn Podiatry in West Lawn, PA, help you care for your lower limbs. Call (610) 678-4581 or use our website contact form to reach us.