The feet are complex structures. They have 26 bones, 33 joints and many muscles, tendons and ligaments that all work together to keep you upright and moving.
If you have any problems with your feet or ankles – and the old adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” definitely applies here – consider seeing a podiatrist.
Pain
Your feet and ankles are a complex network of bones, tendons and nerves that support your weight and allow you to move. They also are susceptible to a wide range of medical conditions.
Seeing a podiatrist near me can help prevent pain and discomfort in your lower legs, feet and toes. They can treat bunions, ingrown toenails, plantar warts and foot deformities like flat feet and pointed toes. They can also assess how you stand and walk and recommend shoes, inserts or braces that fit your needs.
They can address medical problems like gout, which causes inflammation and swelling in the joints in your feet and ankles, especially the big toe. They can also prescribe medications and/or surgery if needed.
A local podiatrist can treat painful neuromas, which are thickened areas of tissue around a nerve in the foot. This condition often affects women who wear tight shoes and causes a burning, tingling sensation that feels like there is something in your shoe. They can give shots of steroids to reduce pain and inflammation or remove the painful neuroma.
They can also address recurring issues like calluses and corns, which are areas of built-up skin that can be very painful if they become overly thick. They can provide advice on how to avoid these problems, including recommending breathable shoes and proper hygiene.
Infections
When infections develop in the feet, a podiatrist can help. Diabetics are especially prone to foot-related problems. Their high blood sugar levels can inhibit blood flow to the feet and legs, leading to a loss of sensation and an increased risk of infection. Having regular podiatric exams and taking steps to manage diabetes will reduce the risk of developing these types of complications.
A fungal infection of the skin or toenails can look scaly and itchy, but you don’t have to suffer with it any longer. A podiatrist can prescribe ointments or oral antifungal medications that will get to the root of the problem, helping you find relief faster and minimizing the chances of recurrence.
The same goes for an ingrown toenail. If the problem doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter treatments, a podiatrist can remove the offending nail and offer other strategies to prevent future problems.
Seeing a podiatrist is just as important as going to the dentist or getting regular checkups from your doctor. These doctors specialize in the lower extremities, so they have the knowledge and experience to help with injuries, pain, and a host of other issues that affect the feet, ankles, and legs. If you’re not already seeing a podiatrist, consider scheduling an appointment today. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes that you can easily remove for the visit, like closed-toe slip-ons.
Illness
Visiting your local podiatrist can help detect and treat illness of the feet and ankles. For example, if you have plantar fasciitis-an inflammation of the thick band on the bottom of the foot that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot-your heel pain treatment near me can determine what is causing your pain and recommend treatment.
It’s also possible that your podiatrist can detect an underlying issue with your health, such as diabetes. This is because people with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing foot problems, such as poor circulation and nerve damage. Getting any issues with your feet checked can help prevent amputations.
During your visit, be sure to bring all the medications you are taking-including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements or vitamins. Podiatrists keep a file on each client and it is important to give your full medical history.
Fitness
The feet and ankles support your body weight, and they’re especially susceptible to injury due to their complex structure. If a problem with your foot goes untreated, it can exacerbate and lead to a range of medical issues. A podiatrist will identify and treat these problems before they escalate.
The bones, ligaments, tendons, and skin in the feet are crucial for balance and movement. However, they are also highly vulnerable to injury and infection. If left untreated, a cut or sprain could lead to more serious conditions such as osteoarthritis and diabetes.
A orthotic therapy can help you avoid injury and keep your fitness on track by recommending exercises that don’t put too much stress on the feet. For instance, if you’re a runner, consider incorporating some low-impact activities like swimming or yoga to your workouts.
If you’re a newbie to exercise, start by asking for recommendations from local fitness trainers and athletes. They are likely to have worked closely with podiatrists in the past and may be able to recommend a trusted practitioner. They can also share tips about how to properly break in new shoes without risking blisters or injuries. This way, you can be sure that your new fitness regime is off to a good start. And no one wants to have to give up their fitness goals because of a foot problem
