Foot and ankle problems can drastically affect the quality of your life. A podiatrist can help you restore full function with treatments including foot care advice, shoe selection, and lifestyle modification.
If you have a sports injury or prior surgery that is now impacting your foot or ankle. A podiatrist can assess the problem and recommend strategies to avoid future injuries.
Heel Pain
Podiatrists from Surgical Associates can diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal, medical, and surgical conditions of the foot and ankle. They specialize in helping to repair damage, increase stability, reduce stiffness, and improve the mobility of people of all ages.
They will help you to avoid further injury and provide wellness advice such as proper stretching, wearing properly fitted shoes, and avoiding high-impact exercise until the problem is resolved. A podiatrist can also treat toenails and skin issues like corns and calluses. They can even treat problems affecting the lower leg and knee, such as shin splints. They can do this through massage, acupuncture, and injections.
Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They push the big toe towards the other toes, causing pain and swelling. This condition also leads to the development of corns and calluses.
People who spend most of their time wearing shoes, especially high heels, are at a higher risk of developing bunions. Over time, these shoes squeeze the toes and add pressure to the bunion area.
Podiatrists can recommend a variety of nonsurgical treatments, including padding, splints, ice, and medications. In severe cases, podiatrists can perform surgery to remove the bunions and relieve the pain.
Neuromas
Neuromas are caused by the development of thickening tissue around nerves that lead to your toes. If left untreated, this condition can cause severe pain and limit movement in the foot. Most podiatrists recommend early treatment for this condition. This includes identifying the specific area where the neuroma is located. They also use X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan.
Some of the most common symptoms of a neuroma include a sharp, burning pain that’s felt between your third and fourth toes or spread out across the ball of the foot. You may also experience tingling or numbness in the toes. Neuromas are more likely to develop in people who wear shoes with a tapered toe box or high heels and those who play sports that put stress on the feet.
Shin Splints
If you work in an occupation where you’re on your feet for long periods, you’re at a greater risk of developing shin splints and other foot conditions. These can be exacerbated by shoes that don’t support the way you walk or run. Runners and people who exercise are also more prone to develop issues like corns, calluses, and bunions that can become painful if they build up too thickly. A podiatrist can remove build-up, recommend shoes that offer more support, and help you avoid future problems. You should see a podiatrist if you’re starting a new exercise program or increasing the intensity of your existing one. The sooner you see a podiatrist, the faster you’ll find relief from pain and inflammation. It can also help prevent injuries and other problems.
Exercise-Related Discomfort
Injuries to the feet and ankles are common, but they can be difficult to diagnose and treat. As specialists in foot and ankle health, podiatrists are better equipped to identify these injuries than other medical practitioners and provide treatment that addresses the root causes of pain. Podiatrists can also help you maintain a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, proper footwear, and wellness counseling. They are also able to recommend specific exercises geared toward your unique foot structure and gait, which can reduce pain and prevent future injury.
