The Problem with A Self-Diagnosis

Canva foot cramp

Television shows make it look easy. A doctor comes in to see a patient, listens to their concerns, and delivers a diagnosis. If only it were that simple. Shows don’t tell you about the years of schooling and on-the-job training that these medical professionals receive. Doctors need this experience before having the confidence or ability to make a diagnosis that could impact a patient’s day-to-day life.

If there is one thing that concerns the doctors at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, it is the idea of people trying to put a name to their foot and ankle pain without scheduling a visit with a podiatrist. The wrong diagnosis can have lasting impacts on a person, including prolonged symptoms. Infection is also another concern.

Here are the three problems with guessing your pain:

Injuries are complex

Plantar fasciitis can be chronic or acute. A fracture can be compound, hairline, and the list goes on. An ankle sprain can be more serious than you initially assumed. There are so many layers to your foot and ankle care. For this reason, we ask that you seek help from foot and ankle specialists. We want to provide you with the correct diagnosis the first time.

Pain is only a small part

Many people think pain is the only sign that something is going wrong. If you solely focus on this symptom, you could miss out on other red flags. Stiffness, redness, swelling, and discharge are other things to monitor. You may not think about these symptoms, so it’s our job to ask about your experience.

Recovery can be tricky

Do you know how long you should rest if you have an ankle sprain? Many people hop back to things far too quickly. Returning to normal activities can lead to re-injury. We always recommend that patients check in with their doctor to see if they have the approval to return to their regular lifestyle.

We hope you know how much your health and comfort matter to our doctors. We are always here for you, and we don’t want to see you harm your feet or ankles. Call us for the best next steps.

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.