The Releford Institute’s Opinion on Common Podiatric Conditions
In our opinion, many people don’t fully appreciate just how much a podiatrist can help with everyday foot and ankle problems. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, or more serious issues like diabetic foot complications or sports injuries, a podiatrist is the specialist you need. We’ve noticed that people often put off seeking help and end up living with pain for longer than necessary. At The Releford Institute, we focus on treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions to help patients get back to moving comfortably. If you’re dealing with any kind of foot issue, we truly believe that seeing a podiatrist can make a big difference in your comfort and quality of life as evidenced below.
Key Takeaways
- Podiatrists provide treatment plans for patients with flat feet or athlete's foot, even bunions and hammertoes.
- They also treat different types of infections.
- They might recommend special exercises that can help with pain. Some even prescribe medication in certain cases.
- They also provide prevention strategies for foot deformity risks and injuries.
- These specialists provide medical treatment for those with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. So, for all things food-related, you know where to turn.
Understanding Podiatry: An Overview
Podiatrists undergo rigorous steps to attain their licenses and skills. It includes obtaining an undergraduate degree, attending medical school, and completing a residency. These experiences help us determine your medical condition after some consultations where they will learn about your history and lifestyle. Your recent blood test results also help them make a diagnosis. Surprisingly, you might receive advice on foot-strengthening exercises or dietary modifications.
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
Pain is a symptom of different medical conditions. It is a signal that tells you you need medical attention.
Take flat feet, for example. This term is a condition where your foot arch is beyond the squish you feel when stepping out of a shower. Such a situation can lead to discomfort, pain, or other complications.
Athlete's foot isn't about setting world records, contrary to its athletic-sounding name. This fungal infection results in itchiness, redness, and occasional blistering. Participating in sports isn't a prerequisite for contracting it.
Apart from these examples, podiatrists diagnose and treat many other conditions:
- Bunions: painful bumps forming at your big toe's base.
- Hammertoes: A condition which causes your toes to curl or bend downward, not pointing forward.
- Heel pain: Its common causes are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
Skin and Nail Issues
Unsightly fungal infections can also be problematic when untreated promptly. Symptoms like itching, burning, peeling skin, or discolored nails are among the sights of this disease.
Some of the patients we see every day also suffer from corns and calluses. These painful skin patches often result from friction or pressure on our feet.
Apart from these, plantar warts are another common foot problem. They are small, hard growths that often appear on the heels or weight-bearing parts of your feet. A few visits to a podiatrist can help reduce their appearance and reduce symptoms.
Pain-Related Symptoms and Treatments
As mentioned, pain in your foot or ankle is not an illness. It is a sign that something is wrong. One way to find proper treatment for that pain is through a medical consultation and treatment.
One of the steps in this process includes podiatrists identifying your symptoms. Pain on your heel may be a sign of an illness or injury. It is the role of a doctor to identify it.
Consider heel pain, for instance. It could stem from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
But let's shift focus to arch support. Not just a term for buildings; our feet have arches too! When lacking proper support, discomfort and even pain can ensue.
Here's how podiatrists like us might assist:
- Custom Orthotics: They offer ideal arch support and are more than just high-end insoles.
- Physiotherapy: Some doctors may prescribe certain exercises to promote better foot support.
- Medication: Others prescribe medicines for pain relief. Some may even be for its recovery.
Say goodbye to foot pain cramping your style. Consult a podiatrist and stride out with renewed confidence!
Dealing With Foot Deformities and Injuries
Are you born with foot deformities? Or did a former accident injure your foot and continue to cause pain after the injury healed? Luckily, specialists like us know these medical conditions when it comes to foot alignment and structure.
Dealing with a bunion, hammertoe, or sports injury? Podiatrists are your go-to professionals. Our job is to check out your foot alignment and figure out what's causing your problem. Misalignment might contribute to unnecessary pressure or discomfort, so getting this sorted is essential.
But podiatrists are not just about fixing problems; we’re also great at preventing them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can podiatrists treat?
These experts have the necessary skills and experience to diagnose and address various foot-related issues, such as bunions, which are bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe joint, and hammertoes, toes that are bent due to muscle imbalance. They are also equipped to handle conditions like plantar fasciitis, inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Furthermore, podiatrists can treat heel spurs, abnormal growths of bone on the bottom of the heel, and neuromas, a painful condition, also referred to as a pinched nerve, nerve swelling, or nerve tumor.
Why would you need a podiatrist?
These experts have the training required to diagnose and manage numerous foot and ankle conditions, both common and rare. They can provide relief from persistent foot pain, treat injuries affecting the foot or ankle, and offer guidance on how to care for feet in people who have chronic conditions like diabetes. Additionally, they can help when over-the-counter treatments fail to resolve foot issues, or if there's a need for professional advice on selecting the right footwear for specific conditions or activities.
What are three common foot problems that may require the assistance of a podiatrist?
Three common foot problems that may necessitate the help of a podiatrist include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot, frequently felt in the morning. Bunions are visible protrusions at the base of the big toe that cause pain and difficulty in walking. Hammertoes, on the other hand, are toes that curl downwards instead of pointing forward, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes.
What is the main role of a podiatrist?
The primary responsibility of a podiatrist is to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. They are health professionals who manage a wide range of conditions from minor issues like calluses to major concerns like fractures. They can also provide advice on foot care for individuals with chronic health issues such as diabetes.
What are the 7 common foot problems?
There are numerous common foot problems that people may experience. These include athlete's foot, a fungal infection that leads to itching and burning sensations; bunions, painful bumps that form at the base of the big toe; hammertoes, which cause the toes to bend downwards; plantar warts, hard growths that appear on the heels or balls of the feet; corns and calluses, thickened areas of skin caused by pressure or friction; gout, a form of arthritis that typically affects the big toe; and ingrown toenails, which occur when the edges or corners of a toenail grow into the skin next to the nail.
Is it better to go to a podiatrist or orthopedist?
The decision between visiting a podiatrist or an orthopedist depends on the specific condition at hand. While both are capable of treating foot and ankle problems, podiatrists specialize exclusively in these areas and might be better equipped to handle specific issues or perform certain procedures. Orthopedists, on the other hand, are capable of treating the entire musculoskeletal system and may be the better choice for conditions that involve more than just the foot and ankle.
Do podiatrists cut toenails?
Yes, podiatrists are equipped to cut toenails, particularly for patients who are unable to do so themselves due to physical constraints or for those who have a specific condition like a fungal infection or an ingrown toenail that requires professional care.
What do I need to know before seeing a podiatrist?
Before seeing a podiatrist, you should gather your medical history, including records of any previous foot or ankle issues or surgeries. You should also prepare a list of current medications and any symptoms or concerns you may have. Wear or bring the shoes you wear most often, as they can provide clues about your foot health. Lastly, it's a good idea to write down any questions you may have to ensure you make the most of your visit.
Why do doctors choose podiatry?
Doctors choose podiatry for several reasons. They might be fascinated by the complexity of the foot and ankle, which contain around a quarter of the body's bones. They might also be drawn to the variety in the field, as podiatrists treat a wide range of conditions and work with diverse patient populations. The capacity to improve patients' quality of life significantly by alleviating pain and improving mobility can also be a compelling reason.
What is the most painful foot condition?
The most painful foot condition varies from person to person, as pain is subjective. However, many people find conditions such as gout, which causes intense pain and swelling in the joints of the foot, particularly the big toe, to be extremely painful. Other painful conditions include bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton's neuroma.
What disease starts in your feet?
Peripheral neuropathy is a disease that often starts in the feet. It's a result of damage to the peripheral nerves, which often leads to weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.
Which of the following common foot problems in older adults?
In older adults, some of the common foot problems include fungal nail infections, bunions, corns and calluses, hammertoes, and heel pain. Conditions like arthritis and gout can also affect the feet. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can help manage these conditions effectively.
