Why do I need a Podiatrist?
10 Situations that Can Cause Acute Foot Pain
Here are 10 situations where everyday situations, poorly fitting shoes, health conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, can cause acute foot pain. Podiatrists are trained specialists, diagnosing and caring for problems with the feet, ankles and lower leg. Their unique training allows them to quickly diagnose, treat or perform surgery to give you relief from pain and prevent further problems.
1. Your Feet and Ankles are Often in Pain
One of the major problems is arthritis, which might also be manifested in other joints. If your feet are inflamed, tender or stiff, arthritis is probably the cause and can lead to disability. It is time to see a podiatrist, who can suggest treatments that will help relieve pain and improve joint health.
If your foot or ankle is red, swollen or you have pain walking, a podiatrist can quickly diagnose the condition and suggest treatment. Depending on the type of injury sustained, a podiatrist will give you the best solution for your problem.
2. Sprained Ankle or Broken Bone
If your foot or ankle is red, swollen or you have pain walking, a podiatrist can quickly diagnose the condition and suggest treatment. Depending on the type of injury sustained, a podiatrist will give you the best solution for your problem.
3. You are Diabetic
Unfortunately diabetes makes you more prone to foot problems, which can range from mild to extremely serious, including amputation. If you are diabetic, you should have a podiatrist examine your feet on a regular basis. A podiatrist can lower your risk of complications, keeping you safe and healthy.
4. Pain in Your Heel
Heel pain can be cause by bone growth known as a heel spur. Heel pain can also be caused by inflamed tendons. Only a foot exam performed by a podiatrist with possibly an X-ray can determine the cause.
5. You are a Runner, Jogger, or Power Walker Heel
People who run are prone to aches and pains because of the constant pounding of the feet on a hard surface. Our podiatrists can recommend the best type of shoes for your feet according to your specific activity. They can also assess your body in order to avoid potential problems.
6. Athletes’s Foot
This is a common fungal condition making the skin between your toes itchy and scaly. Improved hygiene of the feet, socks and shoes can also help. If the condition does not improve after a few weeks, visit a podiatrist. Oral prescription medication can be more effective than topical solutions.
7. Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are usually on the big toe, they are often painful, red and swollen. The nail growing under the skin can cause an infection. A podiatrist can prescribe medication or remove part of the nail to avoid future problems.
8. Corns and Calluses
When the skin builds up and thickens, corns and calluses can become painful. Cortisone injections can be used to reduce pain. Another option is to reduce the size by removing the dead skin with a scalpel. This procedure is painless as the skin is dead.
9. Painful Bunion
The big protruding bump at the base of your big toe is a bunion. Bunions need to be treated, otherwise they become worse. Padding, taping and medication are among the treatments a podiatrist can suggest. The last resort is surgery.
10. Surgery
Podiatrists perform surgery on the feet and ankles, however, surgery is usually the last treatment recommended. Some conditions do require surgery, for example, broken bones, recurring ingrown toenails and bunions.
