Can You Go To Urgent Care For Foot Conditions?
If you have ever had an injury or health issue related to your foot, you might wonder if you should visit urgent care to handle this matter. After all, the foot is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and any problem with this area of the body can cause pain and difficulty walking.
There are many issues an urgent care doctor can help you with as they relate to your feet. These are some of the conditions that may be treated at urgent care.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the skin. This can happen when the toenail is cut too short or if it is curved. The result is pain, swelling, and redness in the toe.
An ingrown toenail can usually be treated with a simple procedure in which the doctor numbs the toe and then removes the piece of nail that is growing into the flesh. If the ingrown toenail is severe, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is often characterized by itching, redness, and scaling.
Athlete's foot is usually treated with antifungal creams or powders. Your doctor may also prescribe oral antifungal medication if the infection is severe.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The pain is often worse in the morning or after standing for long periods of time.
Plantar fasciitis is usually treated with a combination of rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. Your doctor may also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises. If the pain is severe, your doctor may inject corticosteroids into the affected area.
Diabetic Foot Issues
People with diabetes are at risk of developing problems with their feet. This is because diabetes can cause nerve damage and circulation problems. As a result, minor injuries to the feet can lead to serious infections.
If you have diabetes, you may want to see an urgent care doctor when your regular doctor is not available.
Talk to an Urgent Care Doctor
These are just a few of the foot conditions that can be treated at urgent care. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet, a visit to the doctor's office is a good idea to ease your discomfort.
Look to a service such as Fuller Family Medicine to find out more.
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