Ankle doctors, known more formally as podiatrists or orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons, are medical specialists who focus on issues having to do with the feet and ankles. Podiatry is our specialist here at Commonwealth Foot and Ankle. If you are in the Louisville area and having any issues with your feet or ankles, perhaps we can help.
So, why would someone see an ankle doctor instead of a GP? It is all about specialty. GPs do fantastic work. However, they are trained more as internists than anything else. They need to know a little bit about every part of the body in order to handle a vast and diverse patient load. Podiatry is a specialty. As such, an ankle doctor is going to know a lot more about the feet and ankles than a GP.
Common Reasons to See an Ankle Doctor
It is not unusual for patients to be referred to a podiatrist after seeing a GP who doesn’t feel qualified to provide care. But depending on a patient’s health insurance, a referral may not be necessary. Some patients come directly to us without seeing a GP first.
Whether it is with a referral or not, here are some of the common reasons to see an ankle doctor:
1. Pain or Discomfort in the Foot
The most common reason people visit podiatrists is experiencing pain or discomfort in the foot. Heel and ankle pain are pretty common as well. The pain could be due to a sprain, an injury, or some underlying disease. The point is that the pain is not easily diagnosed.
2. Foot and Ankle Injuries
Next up are foot and ankle injuries. They may be as common as nonspecific pain and discomfort. Injuries include sprains, strains, and fractures. They can be the result of just about anything – from playing sports to car accidents and falling off bicycles. Trust us when we say that ankle doctors have seen it all.
3. Structural Problems
Some patients are referred to an ankle and foot doctor because they have structural issues in their feet. A classic example is hammer toe. This is a condition in which a toe bends downward at the middle joint. It can cause pain and discomfort.
Bunyans are another common structural issue foot and ankle doctors see a lot. A less common structural issue is flat feet, a condition involving a collapsed arch.
4. Issues With Skin and Nails
Less frequently, a foot and ankle doctor might see a patient with skin or nail issues. Classic examples include fungal infections, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot. These types of issues are often handled by GPs as well, so they aren’t necessarily as common in the podiatrist’s office as other issues.
5. Underlying Conditions
Some of the most serious cases podiatrists deal with involve underlying conditions like diabetes and gout. Diabetes patients tend to have significant problems with their feet. Their problems can be severe enough to limit their ability to stand or walk. Likewise, gout is a form of arthritis that can limit a patient’s mobility.
There are other concerns that might encourage a patient to visit an ankle doctor. The takeaway is this: as foot and ankle specialists in Louisville, we are here to help you start feeling better. If you have any issues with your feet or ankles, consider paying us a visit.
Note that you may need a referral from your GP depending on your health insurance. If so, we believe it is well worth the effort to get one. Your foot health is too important to ignore.