As with other medical professionals, the decision to visit a podiatry clinic depends on several conditions.
For example, there is the severity of your situation or the need to readjust your foot orthoses.
If you choose to consult for your child instead, you may require recurring visits.
The same applies if you have a condition such as diabetes or osteoarthritis.
Read on to find out how often you should visit your podiatrist based on the particularities of your situation.
When you have a recurring disorder
Typically, a person with a chronic condition should visit their podiatrist at least once a year.
In the same manner, anyone whose feet are prone to pathology should visit their podiatrist just as often.
The following health conditions generally require at least one annual podiatry clinic visit:
- Diabetes;
- Osteoarthritis or arthritis of the foot;
- The bunion of the foot (hallux valgus);
- Corns and calluses;
- Eczema;
- Excessive sweating of the feet (hyperhidrosis).
Obviously, if you are at high risk for complications or have a problematic health history, you may need more than a visit once a year.
However, your podiatrist will be able to advise you on the number of visits required.
When you are undergoing treatment
The frequency of visits with your podiatrist will depend on your condition and the treatment options they choose.
Here are some of the treatments that podiatrists regularly prescribe:
- Cortisone injection: 3 cortisone injections, spread over a year, usually provide good relief from osteoarthritis.
- Shockwave therapy: The recommended treatment frequency is one session per week for 3 to 5 weeks.
- Ultrasound therapy: Approximately 12 sessions of 30 minutes each can be performed, with one session per week.
- The therapeutic laser: The first effects of the therapeutic laser are observed between the 2nd and the 4th session, maintaining a rhythm of one session per week.
- Foot care: This is mainly used when there is a heavy accumulation of corns or calluses. Usually, we suggest a podiatrist visit every 2 months.
- Treatment of plantar warts: Canthacur PS treatment should be received on the fortnight until the plantar wart has disappeared (on average 2 to 6 visits).
- Minor surgical procedures: This type of surgery includes removal of superficial cysts, removal of a wart, and matricectomy. They obviously require postoperative follow-up visits, the frequency of which is left to the discretion of the podiatrist.
Invasive procedures or bone surgery: Seeing as these procedures are more intrusive, the podiatrist may recommend weekly or bi-monthly consultations.
When you wear foot orthoses
You should see the podiatrist at least once every one to two years if you use orthotics.
Your feet support your weight and help balance your movements. They are therefore affected even by the slightest changes in your posture.
In this regard, it makes sense for the podiatrist to monitor the shifts in your overall biomechanics to see if your foot orthoses are still appropriate.
The podiatrist may perform the following tests during your regular visits:
- Postural assessment;
- 2D/3D scanning;
- Biomechanical exam;
- Digital X-ray of the foot.
These methods of assessment will allow you to identify any anomalies and suggest orthopedic insoles that are better suited to your new situation if necessary.
When you are concerned about your plantar health
Feet are rarely safe from accidents or sudden trauma.
That’s why spontaneous visits to your podiatrist are also not to be neglected.
Whether it’s for a broken big toe or an infection that’s starting to degenerate, a consultation with your podiatry clinic is never a waste of time.
Don’t wait until plantar pain sets in, get your feet checked out right away.
