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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you're having problems with your feet, you're likely to start off by seeing your primary care doctor. In some cases, however, your primary care doctor may refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist).
What you can do
Your time with your doctor is often limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. Some questions you might want to ask your doctor include:
- What's the likely cause of my foot problems?
- Is this condition likely to be temporary or permanent?
- What treatment approach do you recommend?
- Am I a candidate for surgery? Why or why not?
- Are there any additional self-care steps that might help?
Also, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you're unclear about what your doctor is telling you.
What to expect from your doctor
Some questions your doctor may ask of you include:
- When did you first begin having foot problems?
- How much pain are your feet or toes causing you?
- Where is the pain located?
- How rigid are your toes?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- What type of footwear do you normally use?
What you can do in the meantime
While you're waiting for your appointment, avoid wearing shoes or doing activities that seem to make your foot problems worse. Wear shoes that are comfortable, have a low heel and a good arch support, and provide enough room for your toes.
If you have calluses on the tops of your affected toes, you may want to try using over-the-counter pads that protect your toes from rubbing against your shoe. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), may help relieve your pain.
- Hammertoe. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/hammertoes.htm. Accessed June 24, 2010.
- Hammer toe deformity. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec04/ch043/ch043m.html. Accessed June 24, 2010.
- Klein SE. Conditions of the forefoot. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00025-7--s2255&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00025-7--boxsec40&uniq=206941847&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&sid=1016949770. Accessed June 24, 2010.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 8, 2010.
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