Podiatry and COVID-19: What You Should Know

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtually everyone’s lives have changed in significant ways. The rapidly spreading virus has also greatly impacted how people go about seeking medical care and the ways medical professionals tend to patients’ needs. Throughout this unprecedented time, your foot and ankle health remains important, and we’re pleased to provide continued care for our patients.

At Chicagoland Foot and Ankle, our team of board-certified foot and ankle specialists and surgeons specialize in injuries, conditions, and diseases that affect the feet. We’re committed to helping our patients manage and recover from foot-related issues for less, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Concerns about seeking podiatry care

Near the start of the pandemic when little was known about COVID-19, many people opted to skip non-life-threatening health care for fear of being exposed to the virus. While this is understandable, it’s also important to stay on top of your health needs. And even though aspects of COVID-19 aren’t fully understood yet, scientists and doctors have learned a great deal about the virus, as well as ways to adapt their practices, that increase the safety of podiatry care.

Risks of delaying foot and ankle care

Delaying the foot and ankle care you need can lead to a range of complications, from ongoing, increasing pain to the need for surgery or even amputation. Research conducted by the Physicians Foundation showed that the risk of amputation in high-risk patients increased up to threefold during the initial months of the pandemic.

And with hospitals across the country nearing full capacity due to COVID-19 patients, waiting until your foot or ankle troubles worsen to the point of requiring critical care can be quite risky. You could end up needing a hospital bed when none are available, for example.

A safer podiatry visit

While there’s no way to completely eliminate COVID-19 risks when you’re venturing out of your home, a great deal can be done to minimize risk. Particularly helpful steps include:

Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth
Staying at least 6 feet away from people who live outside of your home
Avoiding crowded areas
Washing your hands well with soap and water, especially after being out in public
Requesting an appointment during least busy times
Opting for telemedicine, when possible, such as for initial consultations

If soap and water aren’t available after a medical visit, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Whether you’re seeking care for an ingrown toenail, gout, a sports injury, tendonitis, or diabetes-related issues, Chicagoland Foot and Ankle can help. To learn more about our services or current COVID-19 protocols and safety measures, call our office or book an appointment at one of our four locations through our website.