A foot and ankle doctor, or podiatrist, specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Visiting a foot and ankle institute can help you learn more about issues such as bone spurs and flat feet. A podiatrist provides expert care, whether you’re experiencing heel pain, bunions, or ingrown toenails. Here are some concerns podiatrists help address:
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Toe Issues
Podiatrists can address various toe issues, including fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and hammertoes. Toe fungal infections and athlete’s foot are stubborn conditions that require specific topical or oral treatments. Doctors inspect the damage and prescribe treatment to clear the infection and restore nail health. For ingrown toenails, podiatrists trim and remove the painful nail. They also address any infection that may have developed around the affected area.
A hammertoe is a condition where your toe bends abnormally at the joint, resulting in pain and corns that make walking difficult. You can visit a foot and ankle institute to get your toes examined. In some cases, doctors are able to use conservative treatments like changing footwear or adding shoe inserts; they may also prescribe surgical correction if needed.
Foot Issues
Foot conditions range from heel pain and bunions to corns and calluses. Heel pain is a common complaint that may be caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Overuse and sprains also contribute to varying levels of discomfort. Doctors use injections, custom orthotics, or therapies like stretching to relieve the pain.
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the side of your big toe due to calcium buildup on the toe’s joint. These bumps can make it difficult to wear shoes, and they are treated using custom footwear padding or corrective surgery. Corns and calluses are thickened areas of the skin around your feet, caused by friction or pressure. Doctors address them by recommending footwear and surgical removal of the thick skin. They also recommend custom orthotics and braces to provide foot support, correct alignment issues, and reduce strain on your foot muscles and joints.
Ankle Issues
The ankle is vulnerable to sprains and instability, which can interfere with daily life. Some issues are caused by arthritis and require long-term management. If you experience pain around your ankles, visit a podiatrist for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Treatment can involve conservative approaches, such as wearing braces and physical therapy. Surgery is used if the joints are damaged beyond healing; it helps restore strength and stability. Podiatrists also offer preventative care to reduce the development and progression of chronic conditions, such as arthritis.
Diabetes-Related Issues
Diabetes impacts circulation and neural function; it may result in diabetic foot ulcers, neuropathy, and other conditions. Foot ulcers involve wounds that heal slowly due to poor circulation. Wounds require oxygen and nutrients to heal. They should also be protected from further strain and touch to allow healing.
Podiatrists specialize in wound care and can help prevent infections and complications. They address reduced blood flow issues, such as pain and swelling. Podiatrists also treat neuropathy caused by diabetes-related nerve damage. Neuropathy often leads to numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. In severe cases, you may lose nerve function, increasing the chances of injuries going unnoticed because you don’t feel pain. Podiatrists manage such conditions through regular inspections and wound treatment.
Find an Experienced Foot and Ankle Institute
Meeting with a foot and ankle doctor allows you to identify the condition behind your symptoms. After diagnosis, the podiatrist designs a personalized treatment to address the issue and restore normal health and function. Podiatrists also offer ongoing management of chronic conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes-related issues. Contact a foot and ankle institute today to speak to an experienced podiatrist.