Preparing for Your Podiatry Appointment

Preparing for Your Podiatry Appointment 

Your feet carry you through the day and support you in many activities. It's essential to give your feet the attention they deserve when they need it. Feet can be affected by painful corns and calluses, foot and ankle strain, and long-term conditions like flat feet. Hopefully, if you've been having foot trouble, you've decided to see a podiatrist.

Seeing a podiatrist for the first time can be daunting if you're not sure what to expect. You may be wondering how you can prepare for this appointment and what are the things you need to keep in mind. The first thing to remember is that they are foot doctors, so they have seen all kinds of feet. So, you can stop worrying about how your feet look and focus on the things you need to think about. Keep reading to learn about the steps you can take to prepare for your podiatry appointment.

Things to Do Before Your Podiatry Appointment

Here is a list of things to do before you visit a podiatrist.

1. Make a List of Your Symptoms

List the symptoms you are facing. Include the signs in your feet and any symptoms you have in your ankles, legs, hips, and back. Be prepared to answer questions about any pain you are having. These could include:

●     Where exactly is the pain?

●     Is the pain constant, or does it occur only at certain times?

●     When does it flare up?

●     What kind of activities trigger or worsen the pain?

●     How long have you had the pain?

●     Are there other symptoms like itching or any smell emanating from your feet?

2. Recall Anything That Could Have Caused the Symptoms

●     Did you hurt your foot during exercise?

●     Have you been wearing uncomfortable shoes that don't support your feet?

●     Have you had a similar issue before?

●     Have you had a fall or injury that could be causing it?

3. Make a List of the Questions You Have for the Doctor

These questions could include:

●     Why do I have these symptoms?

●     What is causing this condition?

●     What are the treatment options, and what are their pros and cons?

●     How long will the treatment take?

●     How much will it cost, and what are the payment options?

●     What measures can I take to ensure that the condition does not worsen?

●     Should I avoid certain activities like driving or running?

●     If so, for how long should I refrain from them?

4. Make a List of Your Medical Conditions and the Medications Are Taking

This would include allergies, nutritional deficiencies, injuries, chronic symptoms, surgeries you have undergone, and any other medical conditions. Jot down the names of any medications you are taking, too.

5. Prepare to Bring Your Medical Records

Compile your important medical records such as test results, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds, especially those that are related to your feet, legs, hips, or back.

6. Be Clear About Insurance

Check with your insurance provider about whether you need a referral. Find out what documents and details you need to take to the podiatrist for insurance. Take along a photo ID if they need to verify it for insurance purposes.

7. Bring Your Shoes

If you face issues when walking, exercising, or running, take the shoes you wear during these activities to show the doctor. It is also advisable to take along a pair of old shoes. The doctor may want to look at the wear and tear on the soles of your shoes to get a sense of how you walk and if there are any issues arising from the way you walk. In any case, it's a good idea to bring along your regular shoes so that the podiatrist can see what kind of shoes you typically wear.

8. Don’t Forget Your Orthotics

If you wear orthotics or shoe inserts, take them with you to show the doctor the kind of foot support you've been using. Make a mental note of how long you've been wearing them, why you started wearing them, and how they have helped support your feet. That way, you have that information ready when the doctor asks you.

9. Prepare Your Feet

Wash your feet with soap to keep them clean and smell-free, but don't worry about how they look. The podiatrist is used to seeing all kinds of feet. Make sure that you are not wearing nail paint or nail extensions as the doctor may want to inspect your nails for bacterial or fungal infections.

10. Wear Loose Pants or Shorts

Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants. The podiatrist may need to look at your legs, and if you wear tight-fitting pants, this could be not easy. You can wear shorts, a skirt or even pants that roll up above the knees with ease.

11. Inform the Clinic about Any Special Needs

You may have a foot condition or an injury that makes it difficult for you to walk. You may also have other special requirements. In that case, call the clinic to inform them and find out how they can help you.

12. Check the Route to the Clinic

Be clear about how you will get to the clinic. If you cannot drive, ask someone to drive you there. Check the route to see if you will need to walk at any point and if you are up for that walk.

How to Prepare for a Virtual Appointment?

In a virtual appointment, you can go through the appointment sitting in the comfort of your home. However, just because you're not going to a clinic doesn't mean that you don't need to prepare for this appointment. Here are a few tips to prepare for your virtual podiatry appointment.

●     Make sure you are familiar with how to use the device on which you are attending the appointment.

●     If you don't have the required app or software, install it or ask someone to help you install it.

●     Make sure your internet connection is stable.

●     If you are asked to send photos, take clear photos in advance so that you don't have to spend time trying to get a good click during the appointment.

●     If you can send the images ahead of the appointment, do so.

●     If you find it difficult to navigate technology and have a caregiver or another person who can assist you, ask them to be present during the appointment.

●     Keep your shoes and orthotics nearby so that you can show those too.

●     Make sure the device is set up so that the camera can capture you walking in case you have to do a gait exam. Also ensure that you have decent lighting.

During Your Podiatry Appointment

So, you've checked off all the items on your preparation checklist. You've also located the clinic and made sure you know your way there. Make sure you arrive a little early to have time to fill up any required forms. Now, you are ready for the appointment. Here are some things to keep in mind to make the most of your podiatry appointment.

●     Talk to the doctor about all the symptoms you made a note of and the details about the pain you are experiencing.

●     Discuss any changes in symptoms that you have noticed.

●     Inform the podiatrist about your medical conditions and the medications you are taking.

●     Go through your list of questions, listen to the responses, and don't hesitate to ask for clarifications when you don't understand. 

●     Take notes so that you don't forget essential details.

●     Ask about the reasons for their prescribing a particular medication or treatment.

●     Make sure you are clear about how to take the medications or how to apply the treatment, how often, and for how long.

●     Schedule a follow-up appointment if needed.

After Your Podiatry Appointment

Here are some things you can do once your appointment is done.

●     Schedule any tests that your podiatrist asks you to get done or find out if they can be done at the clinic itself

●     Follow up with the lab for your test results, if any.

●     Start the treatment and observe your feet to see if the condition improves.

●     If your symptoms worsen or you notice any new symptoms, don't hesitate to book another appointment right away.

●     Find and try out the kind of shoes or shoe inserts that the podiatrist suggested.

●     See whether it makes a difference in the way you walk or the way your feet feel over time. If not, go back to your podiatrist and ask for alternatives.

Wrapping Up

A podiatry appointment can be a beneficial experience, and you should make the most of it. Remember that you are on a lifelong journey with your feet. Looking after your feet is not a one-time initiative, it's a long-term endeavor. That's why it's essential to find the right podiatry services to meet your needs. 

If you're looking for a podiatrist in Parker, CO, book an appointment with Rocky Vista Health Center. We are a committed team of primary care physicians in Parker, Colorado and our range of services includes podiatry, sports medicine, internal medicine and osteopathic medical services.