“My Podiatrist Saved My Life!”

Scott noticed that his toes were getting sore, especially after his favorite activity of riding his motorcycle. When he took off his shoes, something didn’t look quite right! He went to a walk-in clinic and the doctor told him he needed to go to the Emergency Room. The doctor at the E.R. diagnosed him with a foot infection and sent him home with antibiotics. He expected to feel better in a day or two, but he didn’t. Scott decided to go see a Podiatrist.

His Podiatrist looked at his feet and told him he did not have an infection, he had a vascular issue. This needed immediate attention! Scott was referred to a vascular specialist who discovered he had a blocked artery in his left leg and performed a procedure to open the blockage.

Approximately 8.5 million people in the United States have Vascular Disease. Are you at risk? Risk factors include:

• High Cholesterol
• Contraceptive Use
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity

Podiatrists are often first to diagnose vascular disease because the symptoms usually show up in the extremities first before anywhere else. Symptoms can include:

• Leg pain, weakness, or numbness
• Cold legs or feet
• Sores that will not heal on toes, feet, or legs

Early detection by his Podiatrist has helped Scott’s story have a happy ending! Now he can walk without issues or soreness in his toes and is back to riding his motorcycle! Scott says, “Icould have lost my leg, my foot, or even my life!If I have a foot or toe issue, I will not hesitate to call my Podiatrist. My Podiatrist saved my life!”

If you are experiencing any pain or sores on your feet or ankles, contact your Podiatrist, Dr. Kylin Kovac, at Idaho Foot and Ankle Center!

Content provided by APMA.org