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Ankle and foot problems can be caused by chronic medical conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Many daily situations like poorly fitted shoes or overuse of the legs can lead to temporary, acute pain. In both of these situations, it is smart to seek out proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations from a podiatrist. Podiatrist physicians like Selin Sakarcan offer a wide range of medical care for issues associated with the ankle, foot and lower leg. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, they may also perform particular surgeries.
Many people tend to ignore foot discomfort as they feel that the condition might get better on its own with time. But this approach is highly unadvisable. In many cases, even minor issues lead to major problems, just because they are not treated and managed in time. It is smart to consult a podiatrist whenever facing any kind of issues that involve the foot and or ankle, no matter whether it is a sports injury or a joint pain. Here are a few signs that indicate that a person may require the assistance and care of a podiatrist:
- Swelling, pain or numbness in one foot: Suffering from occasional swollen or sore feet is normal, especially after running or walking for a long time. But having sudden pain or swelling in one foot for no apparent reason can be an indication of a severe issue, and hence would require a trip to the doctor.
- Nail fungus: With the growing popularity of nail salons, the cases of fungal infection on toenails have increased quite a bit. If left untreated, these infections may cause the nails to become discolored and thick. In this situation, one may risk spreading the infection to other toenails as well.
- Continuous heel pain: There are multiple factors that can lead to heel pain. A podiatrist typically performs an exam and uses x-rays to determine the root cause, and subsequently develops a treatment plan.
- Sprained ankle or foot: Most people think that visiting an orthopedist is the best move when they have a sprained or broken ankle or foot. In reality a podiatrist has more experience treating foot and ankle injuries.
- Reoccurring case of athlete’s foot: This is a common fungal infection that can be treated with over-the-counter creams or sprays. However, if an athlete’s foot keeps coming back, it is prudent to seek professional help.
Any person facing issues underlined above must try to consult an experienced podiatrist like Selin Sakarcan. She is a podiatric physician, medical resident, and foot and ankle surgeon. She served as the Student Body President at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine while being a House Delegate of the American Podiatric Medical Student Association. Alongside being a proficient medical professional, Selin also is a regular marathon runner and engages in a variety of sports. Her personal experience has made her well-acquainted with various foot and ankle problems that might arise due to sporting activities.
