When it comes to foot care, there is no better physician who can provide greater care than a foot doctor, or a podiatrist. If you haven’t been to a podiatrist before, you may be wondering how the appointment will go and if you need to do anything to have a worthwhile appointment.
Here, we answer some common questions regarding seeing a foot doctor for the first time.
What Do You Need to Bring to an Appointment with the Foot Doctor?
You need to come prepared for your appointment. because your time with the doctor is limited and preparing ahead of time results in accomplishing the most during your appointment. So, here’s a list of what to bring:
- A referral from your primary care physician, if your insurance provider requires it
- Insurance information
- A photo ID, such as your driver’s license
- Important medical records from other doctors or hospitals
- The downloadable patient forms that you should have already filled out before the appointment
- Any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- A list of your symptoms
- A list of questions or concerns you want to address with the doctor
What Do You Wear to The Appointment?
You should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to take off, because the foot doctor will be examining your feet. Avoid wearing lace-ups and heels. You might want to wear or take with you the shoes that you most often wear, as well as your athletic shoes, and any orthotics that you use. It is also a good idea to wear slim pants or shorts to the appointment. In a lot of situations, foot doctors ask patients to walk in front of them, so they can assess their gait and how their feet and legs move. Wearing a dress or very loose pants can make it difficult for the doctor who accurately assess such things.
What Goes On During a Visit to the Foot Doctor?
During your appointment, the podiatrist will review your medical history and ask questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and habits. They will also examine your feet. In some cases, such as if you are experiencing severe pain after an injury or if you have a physical abnormality in the foot, your podiatrist may recommend getting an X-ray done, which may be done onsite during your appointment. Alternatively, they may give you a prescription for a diagnostic test to better assess the issue.
Take notes and listen carefully to what the doctor is saying, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about your diagnosis, recommended tests, and prescribed treatment. Podiatrists usually create preventive treatment plans, which may include lifestyle changes. The goal is not to just treat current symptoms, but to improve and maintain foot and ankle well-being for years to come.
Foot Doctor in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, and Live Oak, TX
At The Podiatry Group of South Texas, our friendly staff can provide you with all the information you need to prepare for your appointment with one of our podiatrists, as your comfort and convenience are important to us. We are proud to offer high-quality and customized podiatric care.
To schedule an appointment, call one of our 14 podiatry clinics in South Texas or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
