Your feet are the foundation of your body, supporting you through every step, jog, or sprint. When foot pain or other issues arise, they can affect not only your mobility but your quality of life. That’s where a podiatrist, a doctor specializing in foot and ankle care, comes in. How do you know when it’s time to seek professional help? Here are five signs it’s time to schedule an appointment with the podiatry team at Artesia General Hospital, serving Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and southeastern New Mexico.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alieu Kanu, DPM — August 17, 2026
Your feet are complex structures, containing about a quarter of all the bones in the body along with muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels that all work together to support gait. The American Podiatric Medical Association notes that foot disorders are among the most widespread, and most neglected, health problems in the country, often because people assume foot pain can be a normal part of daily life. It usually isn’t, and catching a problem early tends to make treatment simpler.
What is a podiatrist?
A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the lower leg. Podiatrists handle everything from routine issues like ingrown toenails to complex reconstructive surgery, and they’re trained to catch problems, like early signs of diabetic nerve damage, that a general practitioner might not focus on in a routine physical.
1. Persistent Foot or Heel Pain
Occasional foot pain is common, especially after long days on your feet. But chronic and/or worsening pain in your feet or heels that doesn’t ease up with rest or over-the-counter remedies can signal a more serious issue. The same goes for a sports or activity-related injury that doesn’t improve within a few days, even if it seemed minor at the time. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment tailored to what’s actually driving the pain. As a general rule, if rest and OTC pain relief haven’t helped within a week or two, then it’s reasonable to schedule a visit.
2. Swelling, Redness, or Inflammation
Swelling and/or redness in your feet can signal an infection, injury, or underlying condition that requires timely treatment. If the swelling doesn’t subside within a few days, or it worsens, it’s worth having a podiatrist take a look. Redness paired with warmth and/or tenderness is especially worth paying attention to, since that combination can indicate infection or onset of more severe issues that are better addressed earlier than later. Elevating the foot and limiting weight-bearing activity in the meantime can help, but isn’t a substitute for evaluation especially if symptoms persist.
3. Difficulty Walking or Standing
If pain makes it hard to walk, stand, or wear your usual footwear, it’s time to seek care. Issues like bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, or other structural problems often need professional treatment. Dr. Alieu Kanu, DPM, AGH’s fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon, treats these conditions along with more complex structural issues. Switching to supportive footwear can ease symptoms temporarily, but a structural problem generally should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
4. Changes in the Appearance of Your Feet or Toenails
Discolored toenails, ulcers, or unusual growths can signal fungal condition, warts, or diabetes-related complications. Wounds that haven’t healed within a few weeks deserve particular attention. Early treatment is key to preventing more serious issues, especially for anyone with diabetes, where a minor-looking ulcer can progress faster than expected. Take a photo to track changes over a few days if you’re unsure whether something is worsening.
5. Numbness or Tingling in Your Feet
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your feet can indicate nerve damage, poor circulation, or peripheral neuropathy. These symptoms deserve prompt evaluation rather than a wait-and-see approach, particularly for patients with diabetes. Diabetes affects about 11.2% of New Mexico adults, higher than the 10.1% national rate, according to the New Mexico Department of Health, and nerve damage from diabetes can mask pain allowing it to worsen. Because nerve damage reduces sensation, it’s worth having a professional check even if the feeling itself isn’t painful.
When should I see a podiatrist right away?
Most of the signs above are worth scheduling an appointment with your local podiatrist. Though, a few situations call for prompt evaluation rather than waiting: sudden inability to bear weight on a foot, a wound with bad odor, drainage, and/or accompanied by fever or chills or a foot that looks visibly deformed after an injury. If you have diabetes and also notice any of these signs, don’t wait to see if it improves on its own.
How does AGH podiatry treat these issues?
AGH’s podiatry program is led by Dr. Alieu Kanu, DPM, a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon with advanced training in diabetic limb salvage, Charcot reconstruction, and complex foot and ankle surgery. See the full list of conditions and treatments AGH podiatry offers, or read more about Dr. Kanu.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Don’t let foot problems slow you down. Call the AGH Podiatry Department at (575) 736-8282. Appointments are available in Artesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my feet to hurt after a long day?
Some soreness after being on your feet all day is common and usually resolves with rest. Pain that persists or that keeps coming back, should be evaluated at a podiatry visit.
Can red or swollen feet be an emergency?
Redness and/or swelling paired with fever, spreading discoloration, or a wound that won’t stop draining should be evaluated promptly rather than waiting for a routine appointment, especially for patients with diabetes.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist at AGH?
You can call the AGH Podiatry Department directly to schedule; check with your insurance plan about whether it requires a referral.
How long should I wait before seeing a podiatrist for foot pain?
If pain lasts more than a few days despite rest and over-the-counter care, or if it’s affecting how you walk or stand, it’s reasonable to schedule an appointment rather than wait it out.
Are foot problems more serious for people with diabetes?
Yes. Diabetes associated complications can reduce circulation and nerve sensation in the feet, which means injuries and infections can progress further before they’re noticed. Routine podiatry care can play a significant role in preventing complications for patients with diabetes.
The information provided here is intended for general informational purposes only. Every individual’s health needs are unique, and specific conditions require personalized care. We encourage you to consult with a qualified healthcare provider, or your primary care physician, for advice and treatment tailored to your individual circumstances. Always seek professional guidance for any health-related concerns.