When To See a Podiatrist

Good overall health is inextricably linked with good foot health. When your feet are crying out for help, listen to them. Ignoring small issues in the feet can progress into a serious condition that can cause incapacitation for weeks. Immediately upon noticing a problem with your feet, you should consult with a podiatrist. Dr. Joseph DiFranco from DiFranco Family Foot Care, our podiatrist in Erie, PA  treats foot and ankle injuries exclusively.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a highly trained, specialist physician. Their specialty is in the treatment of foot and ankle injuries and conditions. Our podiatrist in Erie, PA will offer you a more accurate diagnosis of what is causing your pain beyond what you can get from generalist doctors that treat the entire body.

When Should I See a Podiatrist?

Some reasons you should see a podiatrist include:

• Heel pain: Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis. But other issues may contribute to your heel/foot pain. 
• Trauma to the foot and ankle complex: Car accidents that cause injuries to your foot, falling and spraining your ankle, or dropping a heavy object on your foot are all reasons to see a podiatrist.
• Sports injuries: Sports are universally loved, but are a common cause of injury to the feet and ankles. Most frequently, injuries from athletics are from overuse.The ligaments and tendons surrounding the ankle and foot are often overworked and injured. Examples are Achilles tendonitis, ligament damage, and plantar fasciitis.
• Ingrown toenails: This condition is easily treatable but only if it is promptly addressed.
• Hammertoes: This unnatural bend of the toe or toes can progress quickly from a nagging annoyance to a very painful condition that requires surgery.
• Bunions: This condition can cause a bump to develop at the base of the big toe on the inside of your foot due to dislocation of the big toe joint.
• Plantar warts: Warts are caused by a virus that rents living space on the bottom of your foot and infects the skin. They may recede on their own. However, to ensure the eradication of them, you should consult a podiatrist. 
• Neuropathy: If you have diabetes, you probably know about peripheral neuropathy of the feet and the misery it can cause. This is a condition where the nerve signals from the foot to the brain are disrupted. And vice versa, brain to the foot. Neuropathy has the potential to cause severe pain or numbness and tingling of the foot. Proper preventative foot care is paramount to avoiding serious issues.

Contact Us

DiFranco Family Foot Care treats all of the above conditions, and more. If you have any of the above complaints in Erie, PA, a podiatrist visit may be needed. Schedule a consultation with Dr. DiFranco by calling (814) 217-0618.