Podiatrist FAQs: Answers to Some of the Most Common Questions

If you’re suffering from foot pain or other lower leg issues, the team at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialist – your podiatrists in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas – are here for you.

Have you noticed your feet or heels hurting lately? You might be wondering if you should see a podiatrist and, if so, can they help. Before making an appointment, check out the answers to some common questions about podiatry and foot pain.  

Do Podiatrists Only Treat Feet?

 No. Podiatrists are trained to treat issues within the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Anything you experience below the knees can be addressed by a podiatry specialist.

What Type of Issues Do Podiatrists Treat?

 Podiatrists treat a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Fractures
• Sprains
• Toenail infections
• Arthritis
• Heel pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis

 They also provide diabetic foot care.

How Do I Know If My Foot Pain Is Normal?

 Pain is never normal. If you experience any type of pain that lasts or returns after resting your feet, you should see a podiatrist in Williamsburg, VA.

How Do I Know if My Shoes Are Good for My Feet?

 The right shoe will provide proper arch support and a wide toe box. They should be comfortable and should have little or no heel. Additionally, they should be the right type of shoe for your activity, such as running shoes for running. Your foot doctor can help determine if your shoes are helping or harming your feet.

Will I Need Surgery for My Injury or Condition?

 Surgery is the last resort. First, conservative methods are utilized to provide relief. Only after those measures have been exhausted without the desired results will surgery be recommended. In severe cases, when there is danger of losing a limb or the condition has progressed too far, surgery might be recommended sooner. However, the goal is to help you heal through conservative approaches first.

Why Is Foot Care So Important for Diabetics?

 Diabetes impacts both blood flow and nerve function. This means that diabetics don’t typically feel wounds, and those wounds don’t heal, which can lead to infections. Regular diabetic foot care helps keep infections at bay and keep those with diabetes on their feet.

If you have any further questions or concerns about the health of your feet, ankles, and lower legs, visit the team at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialist, your podiatrists Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA. Call (757) 220-3311 to reach the Williamsburg, VA, office and (757) 224-7605 for Hampton, VA.