First Visit to a Foot Clinic: What to Expect from a Singapore Podiatrist
If you are into sports, facing lower leg and foot injuries is very common. With the help of a podiatrist, you can determine if any abnormalities in the lower hips contribute to the injury. So, if it is your first appointment at the foot clinic, here's what you should expect.
The first session would be 60 minutes
The first session will last around 40 to 60 minutes, during which the podiatrist, with a personalized and empathetic approach, will go through all your existing medical conditions to understand your health and history of injuries or other problems. They will also inspect the sporting activities to understand under what circumstances you got injured. You must provide every detail of your daily activity, footwear choices, and sportswear to choose a suitable treatment plan.
What should you do when you first visit the podiatrist?
If any doctor refers to you, you must show them the referral letters. These letters provide crucial information about your condition and the reason for the referral. Along with them, you have to present any previous imaging or medical reports. These reports can help the podiatrist understand the progression of your condition and guide the treatment plan. You should also bring any prior or current insoles and the footwear you used the day you got injured. These items can provide valuable insights into your gait and foot posture. Mention the footwear you use for your work, gym, or casual outing, as well as the sportswear you wear during the session for ease of movement. Your detailed information is vital in formulating the most effective treatment plan.
A thorough check of the medical history
After reviewing the medical history, the podiatrist will not apply the same unsuccessful treatments in the last session. The patient will also be asked a series of scripted questions. These questions are designed to understand why the previous visit to the health officials could have been more beneficial in fixing the problem and to gather more specific information about your condition and symptoms.
Conducting static and dynamic lower limb assessment
An assessment is done, which reveals the factors that are causing your joint pain, such as joint range of motion and muscle strength; leg strength is measured along with standing foot posture and your walking or running habits; a video gait analysis is done, and finally, footwear assessment is done.
Physical examination
The podiatrist will also conduct a physical examination. This will involve a thorough examination of your feet, including checking for any visible abnormalities, feeling for any areas of tenderness or swelling, and assessing the range of motion in your joints. The severity of the pain will be determined using pressure at specific points. This examination is essential as it helps to understand the best treatment to proceed with.
Help you to provide a well-designed treatment plan
Usually, the treatment plan varies from one person to another, depending on the condition of your foot. It may include insoles to correct your gait or provide cushioning, physical therapy to strengthen your foot muscles, or the recommendation of specific footwear to support your feet during your activities. The podiatrist may also show you some strengthening exercises that would help you in the recovery period. If required, you should also take health tips from a specialist caregiver. The treatment plan aims to alleviate your symptoms, improve your foot health, and prevent future injuries.
After performing specific tests, getting the results will help a podiatrist understand the underlying cause of the symptom. All the options will be the patient so that they can make an informed decision. It's important to remember that following the podiatrist's advice and treatment plan is crucial for a successful recovery. You may visit https://feetfirstpodiatry.com.sg for more information. Also, the patient should be more focused and avoid repeating the same mistake. If you're experiencing foot or lower leg pain, seeking professional help is essential. Schedule your first appointment with a podiatrist today to start your journey towards better foot health.