Podiatrists are licensed medical professionals specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. In this article, you’ll learn about some common podiatric medical conditions and how to fix them. These professionals deal with patients who have issues with their feet or other parts of their legs. Some of these professionals specialize in one area such as diabetes care or pediatrics. They provide essential services that keep people healthy and active, no matter their age or physical abilities. Keep reading to know more about them and the services they provide.
How to Find a Podiatrist
There are many excellent podiatrists around the country, but finding the right one for your foot or ankle problem can be a challenge. From the start, you will want to do your research, especially if you have a serious foot problem or need surgery. The best way to find a foot doctor is to ask friends, family members, and co-workers who they recommend. You can also look in the yellow pages under “podiatrists” or “foot doctors” and on the Internet. When you call, make sure the doctor is licensed by the state in which you live. And always, have these questions ready: Where and how did the doctor get his or her medical training? How many foot surgeries has the doctor performed? What is the doctor’s philosophy regarding treating foot problems?
Bunions and bunion surgeries
A bunion is a bump on the side of the foot that grows over time. It often develops on the big toe side of the foot and the bump may be accompanied by a protrusion or a sore over the top of the big toe joint. Bunions are caused by a combination of genetics, wearing narrow or pointed shoes, and walking on a slant or with an abnormal gait. Bunions are commonly treated with special shoes, orthotics, and surgery. Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment fails or if a bunion causes pain or other problems. Surgery is a procedure in which the bunion is corrected by reshaping the bones on the big toe side of the foot.
Hammertoe and hammertoe surgeries
Sometimes, arthritis, injury, or other health conditions may cause the joint on the foot to become misshapen, causing a hammertoe. A hammertoe is a deformity in which the middle joint of the toes bends towards the top of the foot while the tip of the toe can either be pulled up or bent over. Hammertoes are commonly treated with special shoes, orthotics, and surgery. Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment fails or if a hammertoe causes pain or other problems. Surgery is a procedure in which the hammertoe is corrected by reshaping the toe joint.
Ankle sprains and ankle surgery
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments surrounding the ankle causing pain and swelling. Sprains can be minor and treated with rest and ice or they can be severe and require surgery. A more severe sprain can tear the ligaments surrounding the ankle, requiring minor surgery to repair the damage. Surgery usually requires a cast or a brace following the surgery to keep the ankle in place while the ligaments heal.
Confirming diagnosis and treatment
Your podiatrist will ask you questions about your foot pain to help determine the cause. He or she will also do a complete examination of your foot, including feeling for lumps and bumps, checking for areas of tenderness, and observing how you walk. Your podiatrist may also order special X-rays or blood tests to help determine the cause of your pain. Treatment for foot pain depends on what is causing your pain and how severe it is.
- Ankle sprain – Conservative treatment for a mild ankle sprain may include rest, ice, and pain medications. Some patients can recover with this type of treatment alone. Others, who suffer from a severe sprain, may need to use crutches or wear a special boot for a few weeks.
- Bunions and hammertoes – For bunions and hammertoes, the podiatrist may recommend special shoes or other types of footwear. He or she also may recommend orthotics to correct the way you walk.
- Bunion and hammertoe surgery – If conservative treatment fails, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. Surgery is done to correct the bunion or hammertoe and remove any pain.
- Metatarsalgia – This foot pain occurs in the ball of the foot and is often caused by wearing high heels, running, and walking. Your podiatrist may recommend special inserts in your shoes, a different type of shoe, or other treatments to reduce the pain.
- Metatarsal stress fracture – This foot pain occurs in the area below the ball of the foot and is often caused by running or walking on a slanted surface. Your podiatrist may recommend rest and special inserts in your shoes to help the pain.
Conclusion
A podiatrist is a person who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They are medically trained professionals who may provide essential services that keep people healthy and active, no matter their age or physical abilities. You’ll learn about some common podiatric medical conditions and how to fix them.