Preparing for an appointment

If your feet cause you significant pain, your family doctor may refer you to a doctor specializing in foot disorders (podiatrist) or sports medicine.

What you can do

Wear your everyday shoes to your appointment so your doctor can look at the wear patterns on the soles. Before the appointment, you might want to write answers to the following questions:

• When did you first notice problems with your feet?
• What other medical problems, if any, do you have?
• Do your parents or siblings have flatfeet?
• Have you ever injured your foot or ankle?
• What medications and supplements do you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• Where exactly does it hurt?
• How would you describe the pain — dull, sharp, burning?
• Does any specific motion or position ease the pain or worsen it?
• Does the type of shoe you wear affect the pain?
• Can you stand on tiptoe on one foot?
• Have you tried arch supports?
• How does the pain affect your life?