The foot is a complex structure comprised of 28 small and medium sized bones with 35 joints! It is incredible to imagine that the peripheral most part of your body can have so many moving parts let alone so many joints- most of which we don’t see or feel moving.
Even so, the feet are perhaps the most overlooked part of the body, partly because they’re the furthest from the core of our body. With shoes on during the day, we see them less frequently and carry about our day. But the reality is that the feet are really the foundation upon which the body stands. The lower extremities are comprised of a cascade of joints that are interconnected- starting with all the joints of the feet. Upon which rest the ankles, upon which rest the knees, the hips, and the lower back. As the feet/ankles become out of alignment, it starts to negatively influence the more proximal joints above. And conversely, as the foundation- the feet, are realigned, it starts to alleviate some chronic issues of the more proximal joints. The foot is analogous to a tripod. There are 3 parts of the foot that support a bulk of our body’s biomechanics while we are static and in motion: 1) First metatarsal head, 2) Fifth metatarsal head, which comprise the ball of the foot, and 3) The heel. Whether due to genetic causes, overuse, trauma, or shoe gear, misalignment of the tripod starts to cause foot/ankle pain and pathologies for many.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If you are suffering from chronic pain or deformity of the feet/ankles, it is time to visit a podiatrist for a consultation. If you have never seen a podiatrist before, here’s what you can expect during your first visit. Each practice may have different protocols so the exact measures may vary, but these are general guidelines:
Be ready to discuss a thorough history of the problem that brought you to the doctor including: prior treatments, alleviating factors, etc.
The staff or doctor will inquire about your past medical history including other medical problems, medications, allergies, surgeries, family history, and social history.
A thorough physical exam will be performed of the lower extremities with an emphasis on the primary problem. i.e. If your chief complaint is ankle pain, the physical exam will focus heavily on a thorough exam of the ankle.
Diagnostic exams maybe ordered and/or reviewed. This may include: X-rays, labs, cultures, ultrasound, MRI, etc.
Treatment plan is formulated based on the history and physical exam that best addresses the problem. The treatment can vary widely from patient to patient even with the same diagnosis based on patient's goals of care, severity of the problem, and patient’s overall health and can range from conservative to surgical.
It is best to come prepared with prior health history to provide the podiatrist and have an open communication so that the podiatrist can partner with you to best address your concerns.
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