How Podiatrists Can Help With Common Foot Problems

Many people take the health of their feet for granted and often do not realise how serious some of the most common foot problems can be; seeing a podiatrist should be a priority and they are equipped with the knowledge and experience to help treat, prevent and manage a multitude of foot issues.  

The following are some of the common foot concerns that podiatrists can help treat and how they provide relief:  

● Ingrown Toenails: Ingrown toenails can be caused by wearing inappropriate footwear or an injury, such as stubbing your toe. These can be quite painful, and if left untreated can lead to infection. For mild cases, podiatrists can manually adjust the nail and provide advice on how to prevent future issues. In more severe cases, a permanent procedure (partial or complete removal) of the toenail is recommended.   

● Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis can be extremely painful. As the leading cause of heel pain in the United States, it is important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term problems. Common treatments include rest, physical therapy, and custom orthotics. A podiatrist can prescribe the right treatment and pain management techniques.  

● Bunions: A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint, which causes it to deviate to the outside of the foot. It can be caused by wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes. A podiatrist can recommend treatment options such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, steroid injections and bunionectomy.  

● Heel Spurs: Heel spurs are bony growths on the underside of the heel that are caused by putting too much strain on the heel. It is important to speak to a podiatrist to assess the damage and develop a treatment plan as it can progress into more serious pain.  

● Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon – the largest and strongest tendon in the body. Podiatrists can offer advice on exercising safely, as well as prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine and physical therapy exercises to reduce the pain.   

● Flat Feet: Flat feet, or fallen arches or adult flat foot, can be caused by a variety of conditions including genetics, pregnancy or obesity. It can make everyday activities significantly more painful and arduous. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause and determine the best way to treat it. 

For other more severe foot conditions, such as hammertoes and heel spurs, surgical interventions may be necessary. A podiatrist focuses on both preventive care and surgical treatment and can help determine if surgery is the best course of action. For example, a subtalar joint fusion may be recommended by a podiatrist if hammertoes become too severe.  

Overall, foot problems can be quite disruptive and often difficult to manage if left untreated. Fortunately, podiatrists are trained professionals who specialize in the treatment of foot disorders. From noninvasive treatment methods such as stretching and orthotics to more advanced surgeries, podiatrists offer a variety of options to help relieve pain and discomfort and promote healing. Finding the right treatment for a foot condition can be challenging, but a podiatrist can help guide patients in the right direction.

Seeing a podiatrist should be the first step for anyone suffering from any of the common foot ailments mentioned above. They can assess the problem, develop an appropriate treatment plan, and in many cases provide relief from pain and discomfort. 

You can book with our expert team of Podiatrists here 

There are just a small selection of how a pod can help you. 

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