You might have heard that you should be visiting a podiatrist every year. However, if you’re like many people, you might be questioning why. Below, Dr. Peter Fillerup and Dr. Casey Fillerup at Foot & Ankle Center of the Central Coast in Santa Maria, CA share a few important benefits to consider.

Foot Health Is Essential to General Health

Most people only think of their feet as something they use to walk, run, and jump. However, they are incredible components of the human body that act as a foundational structure. Just as a house’s foundation can impact the whole house, the foundation of the human body can impact the rest of the body. Podiatrists can help ensure these foundational structures are strong.

They Keep You On Your Feet and Moving Forward 

Injuries, chronic pain, and other issues with the feet can lead to many problems – some of which make everyday life difficult. They can also prevent you from playing sports or staying active, which can affect your physical and mental well-being. However, podiatrists can detect, address, and correct these issues, keeping you on your feet instead of being sidelined in life.

They Can Provide Important Lifestyle Advice for Foot Health

There are many different ways in which you can negatively affect your feet every day. These include everything from specific activities you carry out to the shoes you wear. Podiatrists can help identify both positive and negative habits and lifestyle factors that impact your foot health and guide you in the best direction for your needs.

Podiatry Isn’t Just About Feet 

Podiatrists treat a wide range of issues related to the feet, including but not limited to:

• Heel pain
• Ingrown toenails
• Cracked skin
• Gout
• Arthritis of the feet
• Nail infections
• Bunions
• Overpronation
• Flat feet or high arches and more

However, their expertise does not end at the feet. They diagnose and treat conditions in the ankles and lower legs, as well. These include issues such as fractures, sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and much more.

Conservative Measures Are Preferred 

Many people avoid seeking the care of a podiatrist due to the belief that surgery will be the first – and possibly the only – recommendation for injuries and pain. However, podiatrists like Drs. Peter and Casey Fillerup at Foot & Ankle Center of the Central Coast in Santa Maria, CA prefer conservative methods and only resort to surgery after conservative approaches haven’t provided the desired results.

Make your foot health a priority with regular visits to a podiatrist. Call (805) 934-0570 to schedule an appointment with Drs. Peter and Casey Fillerup at Foot & Ankle Center of the Central Coast in Santa Maria, CA.