There are a number of ways that you can injure your foot. You can pull a muscle, over rotate, sprain or strain your heel, foot or ankle. If you have a foot injury, you may just go about elevating the foot, icing it, and walking on it gingerly. However, in many cases, it is best to see a podiatrist rather than attempt to heal the injury on your own. Here is some information you should know about foot injuries and podiatrists. 

When to See a Podiatrist for a Foot Injury

If your foot is a little sore, but you can walk on it, you probably do not need to be seen by a podiatrist. The pain should go away within a day or two on its own. However, if you are having trouble placing weight on the foot, the foot is swollen a day or two after the injury, or you have a history of repeated foot injuries, you will want to make an appointment to be seen. 

The Importance of Seeing a Podiatrist for Injuries

Many people are worried about making an appointment with a doctor for a minor injury that will heal on its own. They do not want to waste the doctor's time or their own. But when it comes to foot injuries, even minor ones can become major ones. If you cannot bear weight on the foot, you can actually cause permanent damage to the foot by limping around or self treating. The ligaments are thin in this area and can easily be stretched or torn. A doctor can examine your foot and put together a treatment plan that helps to heal the affected area without causing any additional damage. 

How a Podiatrist Can Help Your Foot Injury

There are many different ways that a podiatrist can help with a foot injury. Some are things that you already know, such as elevating the foot to reduce swelling and icing to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. There are other ways that a podiatrist can also help a foot injury including recommending crutches, fitting you for an orthopedic device or medical brace and recommending exercises that can heal and strengthen the part of your foot that is injured. 

If you have a foot injury, it is better to be safe than sorry. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at facilities like Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists to have the injury looked at and a treatment plan put together for you.