Foot and ankle problems can be due to chronic medical conditions likearthritisor diabetes, but even everyday situations, such as overuse or poorly fitting shoes, can lead to temporary, acutepain. You’re likely to get a more speedy diagnosis and treatment recommendations from a podiatrist. Podiatrists provide a wide range of medical care for problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They diagnose and treat illnesses and perform surgery. Here are some conditions in which a podiatrist can help you get back on your feet.
1. You’re starting to run regularly.
Runners are especially prone toachesand pains likeshin splints. A podiatrist can assess your body and feet to flag potential problems and recommend strategies to avoid them. He or she can also recommend the best type of athletic shoe for your foot.
2. You feel joint pain in your feet or ankles.
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting Americans. If the joints in your feet are often swollen, red, stiff, or tender, see a podiatrist. Arthritis can change the way the feet function and lead to disability. A podiatrist can suggest treatments that may preserve joint health and make it easier for you to carry out your day.
3. You have diabetes.
Diabetes makes you significantly more prone to foot problems. These issues can range from dry skin to serious infections. If you have diabetes, you should have a foot exam performed by a doctor or podiatrist at least once a year. Having a podiatrist as part of your healthcare team lowers the risk of amputation due todiabetesby more than 50%, studies show.
4. Heel pain is limiting your activities.
There are many causes of heel pain. You may have a bony growth on the heel known as aheel spur. Or one of the tendons that connect to the heel may be inflamed. If you have persistentheel pain, see a podiatrist for a diagnosis. He or she will perform a foot exam and may take X-rays. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward developing a treatment plan.
5. You have a stubborn ingrown toenail.
When a toenail grows into the skin, the ingrown nail can cause an infection. Ingrown toenails most often affect the big toe. If a toenail is very red or has lots of drainages, visit a podiatrist for treatment. In some cases, the doctor will remove part of the nail. Your doctor will prescribe medicine if the area is infected.
6. You suspect a sprain, strain, or broken bone.
Podiatrists are experts at treating sprains, strains, and broken bones in the foot or the ankle. They can diagnose your injury and suggest treatment. A podiatrist can also create a flexible cast to help the area heal. Swelling, trouble walking, redness, and increasing pain following an injury are all reasons to see a podiatrist.
7. You need foot surgery.
Surgery is often the last treatment a podiatrist recommends for many foot conditions. Should you need it, however, podiatrists perform surgery on the foot and ankle. Conditions that may require surgery includebunions, recurring ingrown toenails, and broken bones.
8. You have a bothersome corn or callus.
Corns and calluses are some of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist. These areas of built-up skin can be painful if they get too thick. A podiatrist may recommend cortisone injections to reduce the pain. Another option your doctor has is to reduce their size using a surgical blade. The procedure isn’t painful because the skin is dead.
9. You have a painful bunion.
A bump at the base of the big toe is known as abunion. It occurs when the bone or joint of the big toe is out of place. Bunions tend to get worse unless they’re treated. A podiatrist can suggest treatments, such as padding, taping, or medication. Surgery is also an option in severe cases.
10. You think you have athlete’s foot—and it isn’t going away.
Thefungal infectionknown as athlete’s foot can make the skin between your toes look scaly and feel itchy. Over-the-counter antifungal cream may help. But if the infection doesn’t seem to improve after a couple of weeks, visit apodiatrist. Oral and cream-based prescription medicines are often more effective. Your doctor will also check for signs of a bacterial infection, which requiresantibiotics.
Time to see a Podiatrist
We can’t stress enough how important it is to take good care of your feet, as it can directly affect your overall health and lead to more serious problems. If you are having any issues related to your feet and ankles, speak with your primary care physician about a referral to see a podiatrist.
If you have concerns about your legs or feet, please call (561) 622-6111 and makean appointmentto come see Dr. Ariel Lepoff at The Medical Group of South Florida. Dr. Lepoffwill do an examination and evaluate the overall condition of your legs and feet. Then together with you, determine the best course of treatment to bring about proper healing.Whenever, wherever you need us, we’re here for you.
