Preparing for an appointment

If you're having a problem with your feet, you'll likely start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you may be referred immediately to a foot specialist (podiatrist or orthopedist).

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
• Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For hammertoe or mallet toe, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's likely causing my foot problems?
• What are other possible causes?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What's the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• Am I a candidate for surgery? Why?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• When did your foot problems begin?
• How much pain are your feet or toes causing you?
• Where is the pain situated?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• What type of shoes do you normally wear?