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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf your feet are causing you significant pain, your family doctor may refer you to a doctor specializing in foot disorders (podiatrist) or sports medicine.
What you can do
When you go to your appointment, wear your everyday shoes because the doctor may want to look at the wear patterns on the soles. Before the appointment, you may want to write down answers to the following questions:
- When did you first notice problems with your feet?
- What other medical problems, if any, do you have?
- Do your parents or siblings have flatfeet?
- Have you ever injured your foot or ankle?
- What medications and supplements do you take regularly?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:
- Where exactly does it hurt?
- Does any specific motion or position ease the pain or worsen it?
- Does the type of shoe you wear change the pain?
- Can you stand on tiptoe on one foot?
- Have you tried arch supports?
- How is this pain affecting your daily life?
References
- Adult (acquired) flatfoot. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00173. Accessed May 31, 2012.
- Flexible flatfoot in children. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00046. Accessed May 31, 2012.
- Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1584/0.html. Accessed May 31, 2012.
- Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed May 31, 2012.
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00166. Accessed May 31, 2012.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2012.
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