It’s going to cost time and money to connect with an orthopaedic foot specialist, so many people will try to avoid heading in for care if at all possible. For many mild injuries, you can certainly work to address the issue with a home-based conservative care plan, but there are plenty of times when the smart move is to schedule an appointment with your orthopaedic specialist. In today’s blog, we explore five times when it pays to head in for in-person care for a foot or ankle injury.
Five Times You’ll Want To See A Foot Doctor
If any of these five scenarios ring true, there’s a good chance you’ll stand to benefit from a consultation with a medical expert like Dr. Silverman.
1. Obvious Severe Acute Injury – First and foremost, if you suffer a severe acute injury, the right move is to head to an emergency department or schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist as soon as possible. Fractures, suspected major ligament or tendon tears or large open wounds need to be cared for quickly and professionally. If you suspect that you fractured your ankle, tore your Achilles or simply can’t put weight on your foot or ankle, head to a doctor.
2. Symptoms Persist For 3+ Months – Getting professional care for a severe acute injury may seem obvious, but on the opposite end of the spectrum is the chronic foot injury. If you’re dealing with dull, worsening or persistent symptoms that have lasted for at least three months, there’s a good chance that hands-on care is required in order to help you finally overcome the issue. Even if the symptoms aren’t severe, know that long-term symptoms are not normal, and it’s wise to connect with an ankle specialist to address your chronic concerns.
3. Pending Lawsuit – If you are pursuing a workers’ compensation or personal injury lawsuit, it will likely be required that you visit a medical professional to have your injuries officially documented. Choosing the right doctor can make all the difference in helping you get the compensation you deserve, and Dr. Silverman has provided countless independent medical exams for patients who needed verifiable proof of the existence of their injuries and a connection to a specific event in question, like a work accident.
4. Seeking Fastest Recovery – If you’re an athlete looking to get back in the action as soon as possible, or you’re simply hoping to recover quickly, the right move is to connect with a foot and ankle specialist. Your doctor will be able to determine the true extent of your injury and develop an individualized recovery program that fits your goals and needs. If you’re hoping to make the speediest recovery, you need to sync up with a professional.
5. Not Responding To Treatment – Finally, it’s a good idea to set up an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist if you find that you current treatment regimen is proving ineffective. Perhaps you’re not treating the right underlying condition, or that generic treatment you found online isn’t the right match for your unique needs. If your foot or ankle isn’t responding to treatment as you expected, a visit with an orthopaedic specialist can help get your recovery back on track.
For more information, reach out to Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.