Anxiety, depression, and diseases of the lower extremities

There are many physical disorders that have little or no organic basis. Many of these conditions are caused by mental pathology. Certain emotional disorders can magnify the person's ability to perceive pain. Anxiety and depression are often the culprits. It behooves the podiatrist to be aware that anxiety and depression can be a cause of foot and ankle pain or that they can exacerbate true physical symptoms. The podiatrist should be able to perform a rudimentary psychological evaluation in the outpatient clinical setting, and should be prepared to make a timely and proper referral to a mental health professional for additional testing and treatment.