Should You Call the Podiatrist?

At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care, we often see patients who have waited longer than they should to come in to have a foot issue evaluated. When this happens, it often means that the problem is far worse than it was originally, and the treatment now required is more invasive and of longer duration. Our podiatrists, Dr. Varun Gujral, and Dr. Nrupa Shah, would rather see you sooner than later. Below are some ways you know it’s time to call the podiatrist:

• You experience pain, bruising, or swelling after injuring your foot or ankle.
• Changes in skin color, particularly if it turns bluish, reddish or purple.
• Thickening nails that are discolored and/or crumbling and peeling at the edges.
• Chronic pain that’s persistent. You don’t need to be in pain 24/7 to have a foot problem.
• Growths, blisters, or rashes.
• A deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe that seems to be moving more out of alignment.
• Difficulty bending and unbending a toe.
• Changes in an existing mole or freckle—particularly enlarging, bleeding or scabbing.
• Severely dry skin that’s cracking or bleeding and doesn’t respond to normal moisturizing.
• Any signs of infection: redness or red streaks around a spot on the foot, tenderness, heat, swelling, discharge of any sort. If accompanied by a fever, contact us immediately at 732-662-3050.
• New or unusual sensations in your feet such as burning, tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation.

Your feet are often the first place that other systemic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulation problems present. That’s why it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you experience any symptoms or changes in your feet that are concerning, don’t hesitate to contact our Edison, Monroe or Monmouth Junction office for an appointment. Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, the podiatrist can make recommendations to help you eliminate the discomfort and keep your feet healthy.