Medical issues your podiatrist can diagnose before other doctors
You might think of podiatrists as being only able to diagnose foot specific issues, but podiatrists are also well placed to identify several other issues, which can often first become evident in the lower extremities.
Diabetes
Untreated diabetes can lead to amputation of lower limbs, so the podiatrist can be a vital part of your diabetes management regime. Early symptoms of diabetes include swelling of the feet and ankles, colour change in the skin on the feet, slow to heal wounds and numbness of the toes. Where the podiatrist notices several of these symptoms they can recommend their patient get formal diabetes diagnoses through a fasting test.
Heart Disease
A podiatrist can often first notice symptoms of heart disease, which is often related to the build-up of fatty deposits in the leg arteries. Early symptoms include loss of hair on the feet and lower legs, unusual cramping in the legs and feet when exercising and changes in skin colour again. There can also be slow to heal foot wounds including ingrown toes.
Arthritis
The big toe is often the first site of osteoarthritis pain. The pain initially presents as dull throbbing night-time pain, and it can sometimes be brought on by an injury or arise slowly over time a as a wear and tear injury. The pain can lead to a modified gait or 'hobbling' as people try to place less pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can assess whether the joint is inflamed due to injury or whether this is the onset of arthritis, which can help a patient get into early treatment before the arthritis spreads to other joints.
Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is often an insidious problem as it produces few symptoms in the early stages. It can be related to other medical issues including diabetes. Some of the early signs can include chronic leg pain, heavy and un-relievable itching and swelling of the ankles. These are often accompanied by fatigue and urinary symptoms but not always. If a podiatrist spots these issues they can refer a patient for early testing, and an early diagnoses with diet and medication control can help to prolong the life of your kidneys.
Getting regularly podiatric check-ups for any of these symptoms as well as general foot pain can help you to be diagnosed with problems early and get early intervention and treatment. You should make an appointment for a check-up today.