Wondering when you should turn to a Philadelphia Foot and Ankle Surgeon for care? 

Feet are the foundation of our bodies and our ability to stay in motion. That's why the health of our feet says a lot about the overall state of our body. After all, some foot and ankle problems are a sign of more serious health issues. Unfortunately, most people don’t consider the health of their feet until a problem occurs. Your Chestnut Hill Podiatry Associates, PC want to change that by educating patients. Here are some reasons you may want to consider seeing a Philadelphia or Huntingdon Valley PA podiatrist:

You have foot pain 

While minor pain will often go away on its own, there are times when foot pain is caused by a larger issue such as a bunion, hammertoe, ulcer, or sprain. You should schedule an appointment with your Philadelphia foot and ankle surgeon if the pain is:

• Severe
• Accompanied by fever, numbness, weakness or tingling
• Doesn’t get better with at-home care
• Gets worse despite rest

You have diabetes 

If you are diagnosed with diabetes one of the most important doctors that you can add to your team is a podiatrist. Our Philadelphia foot and ankle surgeons can provide you with comprehensive checkups and care to prevent complications such as ulcers and nerve damage. If you do notice any changes in the appearance or health of your feet, you must have a foot doctor that you can turn to right away.

An infected ingrown toenail 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail (usually the big toenail) grows into the skin. This results in pain and swelling around the affected toenail. While the problem will often clear up on its own, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of an ingrown toenail, such as:

• Severe pain and swelling
• Pus draining around the nail
• Intense pressure on the toe
• Bleeding

You’re experiencing symptoms of a bunion 

If you notice a bulging lump sticking out at the base of the big toe this could be a sign of a bunion, a common foot deformity that can cause intense pain and problems over time if left untreated. Any changes to the overall shape, structure, or appearance of your feet should be evaluated by a foot care professional.

You notice numbness or tingling 

If you experience weakness, numbness, tingling, or burning in the foot this could be a sign of nerve damage or diabetes. Any of these symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

Chestnut Hill Podiatry Associates is your premier Philadelphia foot and ankle surgeon clinic in the Philadelphia and Huntingdon Valley, PA, areas. To schedule, call us at (215) 247-0879 for Philadelphia or (215) 379-5112 for Huntingdon Valley.