Foot Examination: What to Expect During Your Check-Up
Published: Feb 09, 2024
A foot examination is a vital part of diagnosing foot pain, but what does it involve? Here's a step-by-step guide.
Contents
Visual and Physical Inspection
The examination begins with a visual inspection of the foot. The doctor looks for abnormalities like swelling or color changes. Next, they will palpate the foot to identify tender areas or signs of inflammation, helping to pinpoint the source of pain.
Dynamic Assessment
The doctor will observe your gait, both while walking and possibly running. This helps assess how foot pain affects your movement and identify any unusual patterns that might indicate underlying issues.
Key Areas of Focus
Attention is given to specific areas, such as the first metatarsophalangeal joint in the forefoot, the navicular bone in the midfoot, and the plantar fascia in the hindfoot. Each area is palpated carefully to detect any abnormalities or sources of pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors visually inspect and palpate the foot for abnormalities.
It helps assess how foot pain affects movement.
The forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot are key focus areas.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the foot examination process can help you prepare and ease any concerns.
Need a foot exam? Book a consultation with Doctronic today!Related Articles
References
Clawson DK, Jackson DW, Ostergaard DJ. It's past time to reform the musculoskeletal curriculum. Acad Med 2001; 76:709.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.