Podiatry focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Foot problems can affect mobility, balance, and overall well-being, making timely podiatry care fundamental for symptom relief and the prevention of long-term complications. Here is an overview of common foot conditions treated by podiatrists:
Treating Pain and Injuries
Pain in the foot and ankle often stems from overuse, trauma, or sports-related activities. A podiatry specialist frequently treats conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which causes sharp pain in the heel. This condition occurs when the band of tissue supporting the arch becomes inflamed, and is a common complaint among runners and those who stand for long periods. Heel spurs often accompany plantar fasciitis, further aggravating discomfort. Achilles tendonitis is a common injury characterized by inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. Runners and active individuals often experience shin splints, which cause pain along the inner edge of the shinbone.
Managing Skin Nail Infections
Podiatrists frequently manage conditions affecting the skin on the feet and nails, ranging from mild irritations to severe infections. Here are some of them:
- Ingrown Toenails: This occurs when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection.
- Athlete’s Foot: This fungal infection begins between the toes and causes a scaly, itchy rash.
- Fungal Nails: Fungal infections can also attack the nails, causing them to become thickened, discolored, and brittle.
- Warts: Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), grow on the soles of the feet and can be painful when walking or standing.
Treating these surface-level conditions is fundamental for overall foot health.
Correcting Structure and Alignment
Biomechanical malfunctions often lead to structural deformities, but a podiatry specialist uses various methods to correct these alignment issues. Here are some common foot structure and alignment issues podiatrists treat:
- Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that pulls the tip of your big toe toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out.
- Flat Feet: This condition occurs when the arches on the inside of your feet flatten under pressure.
- Hammertoes: A hammertoe is a deformity that causes a toe to bend or curl downward instead of pointing forward.
- Neuromas: A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body, often feeling like there is a pebble in your shoe.
Correcting these structural problems often requires orthotics or changes in footwear.
Supporting Long-Term Foot Health
Managing chronic conditions is a fundamental part of podiatry practice. Arthritis can affect many joints in the foot and ankle, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. A podiatry doctor provides arthritic foot and ankle care to manage symptoms and improve well-being. Diabetic foot care is key because diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the feet. Regular check-ups help prevent serious complications, such as ulcers and infections.
Preventive support often involves the use of custom orthotics. These are medical devices worn inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues, such as problems with how you walk, stand, or run. A podiatry specialist performs a comprehensive biomechanical exam to design orthotics specifically for your feet. They analyze your gait and foot structure to determine the best support, which helps distribute pressure evenly and realign the joint.
Book Your Podiatry Appointment Today
Your feet are complex structures that require expert care to function correctly. A podiatry specialist offers a wide range of treatments for injuries, skin conditions, and structural deformities. Contact a qualified podiatrist in your area to schedule your appointment and discuss your symptoms today.