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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), sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.
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.
You may also want to prepare a list answering the following questions:
- When did you first notice any problems with your feet?
- Where exactly does it hurt?
- Does anything make the symptoms better or worse?
- What other medical problems, if any, do you have?
- Have you ever injured your foot or ankle?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will consider your medical history and examine your feet. As part of the examination, your doctor will observe your feet from the front and the back and ask you to stand on your toes so he or she can view the mechanics of your feet. He or she may also want to look at the wear pattern on your shoes.
- Adult (acquired) flatfoot. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00173. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Flexible flatfoot in children. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00046. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Murphy GA. Pes planus. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/180182820-3/944384454/1584/610.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50082-9--cesec1_4255. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Hosalkar HS, et al. The foot and toes. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/180346655-3/944709937/1608/1570.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50675-7--cesec22_12336. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00166. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Chorley J, et al. Clinical features and management of foot pain in the young athlete. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
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