If you experience foot or ankle discomfort, it may be time to see a foot doctor, also known as a podiatrist. The foot doctors at Foot Doctor of East Bay, Dr. Michael Stein and Dr. Zeineldin Ahmad, have an office located in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA, and are ready to help diagnose and offer treatment today.

Foot Doctors are Foot and Ankle Experts

You may suffer from foot and ankle problems because of a chronic medical condition such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or diabetes. However, it may just be everyday situations causing your foot and ankle pain like poorly fitted shoes or injury. When you see a foot doctor, you are more likely to receive a faster diagnosis and treatment recommendation because they are the experts. They diagnose and treat foot, ankle, and lower leg illnesses while also performing surgery.

There are many conditions faced by patients that foot doctors, like Dr. Stein and Dr. Ahmad, can help treat today.

You Want to Be a Runner

As a runner, you are especially prone to injury, aches, and pains. A foot doctor can assess your body and feet to identify any potential problems with running and recommend ways to prevent damage. They can also recommend the best running shoe for you.

You Have Pain in your Ankle or Foot

Arthritis is widespread and may be the cause, but it is best to see a foot doctor to be sure. Also, if your joints are swollen, stiff, or red, you want to see a foot doctor to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.

You Have Diabetes

Those who have diabetes are more prone to foot problems due to decreased blood circulation. Foot issues facing people with diabetes can include dry skin, numbness, and even severe infections. If you have diabetes, you should have an annual foot exam from a foot doctor to decrease your risk for amputation or other issues.

You Are Experiencing Heel Pain with Walking

There are many causes of heel pain, and they include:

• a bony growth on the heel, also known as heel spur
• plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis or tendon rupture
• osteomyelitis, or bone infection
• rheumatoid arthritis
• stress fracture

If you suffer from persistent heel pain, a foot doctor can perform an exam or take an X-ray to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.

Other Reasons to See Your Local Foot Doctor

A foot doctor can treat many ailments, and they include:

• Ingrown toenail
• Sprain, strain, or broken bone
• Bunions, corns, or callus
• Athlete's foot

It is best not to wait to see a foot doctor when you're experiencing any issues or symptoms when it comes to your feet. The proper diagnosis and care plan in the early phase can easily prevent a significant problem down the road. Please call Foot Doctor of the East Bay, located in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA, for an appointment with Dr. Stein or Dr. Ahmad, at (510) 483-3390 for San Leandro, CA, (925) 425-9684 for the Pleasanton, CA, office, and (408) 356-6767 for Los Gatos, CA.