Podiatrists are medical professionals who have received training in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the foot, ankles, lower limbs, and the structures connected to those organs. Foot pain can result from trauma, overuse, or diseases that cause inflammation in the foot’s bones, ligaments, or tendons. In addition, misalignment in the foot can frequently be painful and impact how you run or walk. Your body adjusts to this misalignment, which can cause stress on certain feet, ankles, calves, knee, hip, and lower back areas. A podiatrist can resolve these issues resulting from misalignment in several methods, but primarily by fitting custom-made insoles (Orthotics) to reduce pain.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that joins your calf muscle at the rear of your lower leg to your heel bone, is most frequently injured by overuse. Regular runners, athletes who play sports like tennis that involve quick stops and direction changes, or persons who wear high heels for extended periods are frequently affected. Some symptoms may include redness and warmth to the touch, soreness and swelling around the heel, tight calf muscles, and a limited range of motion while flexing the foot. Stretching exercises, physical therapy, and wearing shoes with built-in heel inserts may all be part of your podiatry treatment plan to relieve stress on your Achilles tendon.
Flat Feet (Overpronation)
When the foot arches collapse, the entire sole makes full or nearly full contact with the ground, a condition known as flat feet (also known as collapsed arches). An arch in one or both feet never forms in 20 to 30 percent of the general population. You may get flat feet for various reasons, including tendon injuries, arthritis, and diabetes. It is a typical ailment that is also easily treatable. Foot fatigue, uncomfortable or achy feet (particularly in the arches and heels), back and leg pain, swelling on the inside and bottom of your feet, and limited foot flexibility (i.e., standing on your toes) are possible symptoms. Orthotics for the arches of the feet, advice on supportive footwear, stretches, and physical therapy is all possible treatments for podiatry.
High Arches (Supernation)
When the inner side of the foot’s arch rises higher than usual, there is a larger space between the foot and the floor. Most often, it is inherited. Pain in the heel (Plantar Fasciitis), the balls of the feet, anyplace in the foot, and frequently corns, calluses, bunions, or hammertoes are among the symptoms of high arches. Custom orthotics, physical therapy, and a regimen of exercises to stretch and relieve foot pain are all possible components of podiatry treatment.
Foot Arthritis
The big toe is frequently affected by foot arthritis, which causes stiffness and immobility in the joints. Even though this does not cause pain in itself, the ensuing modifications to walking and gait patterns may result in referred pain to the knees, legs, and hips. Additionally, in rare cases when the arthritic change has advanced, the linked joint will experience pain from bone rubbing where the joint has degraded due to erosion. To lessen stress and loading on the arthritic joints and the knees, hips, and legs during treatment, orthotics or shoe inserts may be used. Additionally, shoe advice will be given; frequently, you need to modify the style of shoes you wear.
In-Growing Toenails/Nail Surgery
An ingrowing toenail is one whose edges curve into the toe’s skin. Ingrown nails can develop from an accident, extreme pressure on the toes (from running or other high-impact sports, for example), wearing shoes that are too small or too tight, having your nails improperly clipped, or having poor cleanliness. It hurts and can become quite infected and inflamed if left untreated. First, a toenail will be examined by a podiatrist to see whether conservative treatment—which involves softening the skin and pulling it away from the nail—might be helpful. However, toenail surgery is frequently required. Your podiatrist will either remove the nail entirely or partially. If there is an infection, the nail is first dressed to protect it and stop the spread of the infection before being dressed with an antibiotic solution.
