Podiatrist: What Can They Diagnose?
Podiatrists are specialists in diagnosing and treating conditions of the feet. They can treat a wide variety of problems, including sports injuries, infections, and foot pain. In addition to providing treatment, podiatrists can also provide advice on how to prevent common foot problems. If you are experiencing any kind of foot pain or discomfort, it is important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Your feet are vital for everything from walking and running to simply standing. As a result, it’s important to take care of them, and that’s where podiatrists come in.
Podiatrists are medical professionals who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.
Common conditions treated by podiatrists include:
- Bunions
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe may turn inward toward the second toe (medial bunion) or outward away from the second toe (lateral bunion). The skin over the bunion might be thick and tender. Wearing tight, narrow shoes might contribute to the formation of a bunion. People who have arthritis also are more likely than others to develop bunions. Heredity also might make some people more likely to develop bunions. Ill-fitting shoes are a primary cause of bunions. Wearing shoes that crowd your toes can put too much pressure on some areas of your foot and cause pain and deformities such as bunions. Women are more likely than men to have problems with their shoes crowding their toes because they tend to wear shoes with higher heels and narrower toe boxes. Other causes include having an inherited foot type that makes you more susceptible to bunions, being born with abnormal bone structure or problems that affect the alignment of your joints and being exposed to chemicals or other irritants that inflame your joints
- Hammertoes
If you have ever had a painful corn or callus on your toe, you may be familiar with the condition known as a hammertoe. Hammertoes occur when the middle joint of the toe becomes bent, causing the toe to resemble a hammer. While this may not seem like a serious problem, hammertoes can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, podiatrists are able to treat this condition with a variety of techniques. In some cases, they may recommend wearing custom-made shoes or orthotics to help correct the alignment of the toe. In other cases, they may recommend surgery to release the contracted tendon that is causing the toe to bend. Regardless of the treatment approach, podiatrists can help to relieve pain and improve function in patients with hammertoes.
- Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can cause pain and irritation. If left untreated, they can also lead to infection. Fortunately, podiatry Doveton are specially trained to treat ingrown toenails. The first step is to trim the nail back so that it no longer digs into the skin. The next step is to clean the area and remove any debris or bacteria that may be present. In some cases, a small piece of cotton or gauze may be placed under the nail to help keep it from growing into the skin. If the ingrown toenail is severe or recurrent, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. In such cases, the podiatrist may recommend surgically removing the nail or a portion of the nail bed.
- Plantar fasciitis
One of the most common problems they treat is plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or inflamed. This can happen due to overuse, injury, or various other factors. The good news is that plantar fasciitis is highly treatable. A podiatrist can provide you with treatments such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, and injections to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Whether you’re dealing with bunions or hammertoe, plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, a podiatrist can help you find relief. In addition, podiatry Blackburn can also provide advice on how to prevent foot problems from developing in the first place. So if you’re looking for expert care for your feet, be sure to consult a podiatrist.