Have an Appointment at Our Chandler, Arizona Clinic? Here are Questions to Ask The Foot Doc™
Though our doctors and staff aim to be as thorough as possible in learning about our patients, their medical history, and specifics on their condition, it is good to have a list of questions to ask us during your visit.
As a new patient, one should be involved in his/her own health as involved patients generally tend to have better recovery and health outcomes. Understanding one’s condition, its symptoms, causes, and risk factors can better prepare patients for recovery and prevention.
The following is a list of questions to ask The Foot Doc™ during your visit to our Chandler, Arizona clinic.
Where Does the Pain/Problem Originate?
The foot is a complicated extremity. In fact, your feet are made up of over 50 bones—nearly a quarter of the number of bones in your entire body.
You may feel pain or discomfort in one area, the heel, ball, or ankle for example, which may be triggered by a problem or injury somewhere else, making it less straightforward to target and identify the origin of a condition or injury.
Before your visit to The Foot Doc™, take careful note of where you feel pain or discomfort and when. Is it when you’re walking and standing or does it throb when you take the weight off of it?
The more detailed you are about the pain and its location, the easier it will be for your podiatrist to make an accurate diagnosis.
How Will You Diagnose the Problem?
Podiatrists utilize a variety of methods to determine the cause of a condition. Do not be hesitant in asking how your doctor will approach your specific issue.
Though your foot specialist may start with a simple examination of your foot—the kind most of us are familiar with, such as asking you to bend or flex your foot, apply pressure to his/her hand or stand and walk—a more thorough examination may be required, depending on your condition. X-rays or MRIs are other diagnostic tools that may be needed if the doctor suspects a deeper-rooted issue.
If you are unfamiliar with the methods or the purpose of the examination, ask for as much detail as you can. Being comfortable with the process will help you better prepare for treatment and at-home exercises (more on this below).
What Are the Treatment Options?
This is the biggest question new patients have. Once a diagnosis is made, you’re likely wondering how extensive (and expensive) treatment will be.
Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor these specific questions.
- Do I need surgery?
- If so, who will perform it?
- What will my recovery time be?
- If I don’t want surgery, are there alternative treatments?
- How many follow-up visits do I need?
As a new patient, it’s important to explore all of your options. Ask The Foot Doc™ which treatment is the least invasive and if it’ll correct your issue long-term.
What Can I Do to Help At Home?
Treatment doesn’t stop when you leave the doctor’s office. There are often exercises and preventative measures you can take at home to help ease your discomfort and improve your condition.
Ask The Foot Doc™ what you can do to continue treatment at home. If you do require surgery, there may be exercises or self-care treatments you can perform leading up to the day of the surgery.
If surgery isn’t required, The Foot Doc™ may recommend orthopedic shoes, inserts or alternative activities to help correct your condition. Ask what you can do to be an active participant in your treatment and recovery.
Become an Informed New Patient
Asking questions is the best way to become an informed new patient and helping in your recovery and prevention of repeat issues. Visit us at our Chandler, Arizona office and we’ll address your questions and concerns.
With a patient-focused approach to podiatry, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch service and making every patient feel comfortable. Contact us today to request an appointment and put an end to your foot pain and discomfort.