Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Foot Doctor
Healthy feet are crucial for overall well-being, yet 87% of people experience foot pain. This article highlights the importance of selecting the right podiatrist, particularly for those with health conditions. It discusses various foot issues podiatrists can treat, from sports injuries to diabetic care, and offers guidance on choosing the best foot doctor in Beverly Hills.
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The health of our feet is vital to our overall well-being, as they are the foundation of support for our bodies and are an important part of staying active. Research shows an alarmingly high number of people — around 87% — report having painful feet at some time in their lives. Pain and other foot issues can significantly impact one's quality of life. This underscores the importance of choosing the right foot doctor, especially if you have health conditions affecting your immune system or circulation.
Read on to discover what factors you should consider when choosing a foot doctor and where to find the best podiatrist in Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles area.
What Conditions Can Foot Doctors Help With?
Podiatrists are foot doctors who can help you with various conditions affecting the feet and ankles, including:
Addressing pain from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or bunions
Repairing foot and ankle injuries like tendon injuries, sprains, strains, and broken bones in the feet
Treatment of deformities or chronic conditions of the feet, such as hammertoe, claw, and mallet toes, ingrown toenails, cysts, or inflammation in the feet
Preventative care such as custom orthotics and diabetic foot care
Working with a skilled podiatrist can also help you avoid developing age-related conditions or sustaining a foot injury.
When Should I See a Foot and Ankle Specialist?
Like other medical specialties, a podiatrist can help you with sudden foot and ankle conditions and also help you avoid trouble with preventative treatments. As a general rule of thumb, you should see a podiatrist if you're experiencing persistent discomfort, swelling, or mobility issues in your foot or ankle.
The following are common ways a podiatrist can help you walk with comfort and ease:
Sports-Related Foot Injuries
Foot and ankle specialists can provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for conditions like:
Sprains and strains that are caused by the overstretching of ligaments and tendons
Foot fractures that are caused by stress or trauma
Tendonitis of the foot from overuse or strain
Inflammation from fluid buildup or infection
By creating tailored treatment plans, including physical therapy and custom orthotics, foot doctors help athletes recover effectively and regain optimal foot function. Additionally, they can offer guidance on injury prevention and proper footwear to support athletes in their performance and overall foot health.
Occupational Injuries
Foot doctors are important in preventing and treating occupational foot injuries by providing tailored treatment plans and ergonomic footwear. For those who have sustained a foot injury, going to a podiatrist can help speed recovery and regain the strength and function of their feet.
Age-Related Conditions
Comprehensive foot care from a podiatrist can manage medical conditions like arthritis, circulatory complications, and other age-related structural changes in the feet that may require surgery. This may include treatments like:
Orthotic devices, including inserts and custom-made shoes.
Wound care for injuries
Preventive strategies to maintain mobility, reduce foot pain, and prevent further complications
Pain relief from conditions like plantar fasciitis
Additionally, a good podiatrist can offer guidance on proper footwear and foot exercises to help older adults maintain their overall foot health and quality of life.
Diabetic Foot Care
People with diabetes can have poor blood circulation and nerve damage, increasing the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and even foot amputations if not properly managed.
Podiatrists provide essential services such as nail care, wound management, and advice on proper footwear, which are vital for maintaining foot health — regular visits to a podiatrist help in the early detection and treatment of foot issues, preventing complications.
How to Find the Right Foot Doctor for Your Needs
Choosing the right foot doctor is important to ensure you receive the best and most effective treatment for your foot health — especially if you have high-risk conditions like diabetes.
Consider the following factors when you are searching for the right podiatrist for your needs:
1. Look for a board-certified podiatrist who offers the treatment you need:
Choosing a board-certified podiatrist is important, as this certification ensures they have met rigorous education and clinical expertise standards. Additionally, you should verify that the podiatrist has the experience and offers treatments specific to your condition — whether that is diabetic foot care, sports injuries, or custom orthotics.
2. Consider whether they use the latest treatment techniques for modern care:
Advances in medical technology and treatment techniques significantly improve patient outcomes — so it’s important to look for a podiatrist who offers the latest advancements in the field, such as minimally invasive procedures, advanced imaging techniques, and innovative therapies.
3. Check accessibility and insurance coverage:
Accessibility is another important factor when choosing the right foot doctor. Consider the location of the podiatrist's office and verify that the podiatrist accepts your insurance plan to avoid unexpected costs. Ensuring that your visits are covered by insurance can make ongoing care more affordable and less stressful.
Finding the Best Foot Surgeon in Beverly Hills
Finding the best foot and ankle specialist will lead to an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to promote healing and prevent further complications.
Foot and Ankle Specialty Group in Beverly Hills offers the most modern treatment options for all your podiatry concerns — including nonsurgical treatment and home treatment plans. Our goal is to provide high-quality care while eliminating pain and restoring your ability to move comfortably.
Dr. David Soomekh leads our team of experts in bringing modern podiatry to Beverly Hills, including custom-made orthotics, 3D CT scanning, laser therapy, microwave therapy, PRP therapy, and stem cell therapy.
Ready to get care for all your foot and ankle surgery needs from the best podiatrist in Beverly Hills?
